Minister's Monthly Letter

Unity Church of Christianity Appleton, Wisconsin

December 2007

Affirmative Prayer Now!

What makes "affirmative prayer" different from "other" prayer? What do we mean when we talk about "affirmative prayer" in Unity? And why talk about it now?

Affirmative prayer states in positive powerful language that our needs are met, that all is well, and that Spirit is present in the midst of all conditions and circumstances. Affirmative prayer is a firm, strong, positive statement, not a plea. Note the difference in the following prayers:

"God, please help me find a better job before the New Year."

This is certainly a worthy prayer -- all prayer is worthy, but you might choose to try something different, such as…

"God is at work in my life right now; right employment is coming to me. I am ready to accept my good, and I am open to whatever form it may take." What's different here? This prayer affirms the good and takes a stand for it. It opens the door wide to the highest and best good that God has for you.

How do you become a more affirmative pray-er? One way is to practice what I call "The U-turn of Affirmative Prayer." Imagine that you are driving down the street, when you realize that you need to get bread at the grocery, but you've passed it up 5 blocks back. You naturally do a U-turn to get the bread. With prayer, you can make the U-turn when you realize that you've begun to say something like, "I'll never get out of this job -- God, help me!" You've forgotten something, so make a U-turn and get back to positive, powerful, affirmative prayer. Affirm the Truth as you know it! You can even think of it as the Unity-turn if you want to!

And why now? Well, why not now? Will there be a better time? Don't wait "until after the holidays!" We so easily put off our good by staying stuck in our comfort zone with our familiar thought patterns and beliefs. Why not dare to make a U-turn into affirmative prayer? Try it, see what happens, and share the results with members of this community. We're pulling for you! Always!

At this Christmas season, you are a gift of God in expression! That's my affirmative prayer for you.

April Kain-Breese, Spiritual Leader
minister@unityofappleton.org