PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

We know and affirm that there is one loving Power and Presence active throughout this Universe and that its power and wisdom is freely given to all those who turn within for guidance,  This Presence is All-Wise, All-Powerful and everywhere equally present.  We affirm the availability of this power to each and every world leader, including those presently in conflict, and we bless those whose courage and commitment to peace on the planet allows them to step forward to guide, to listen, to mediate and reveal solutions with respect and honour for all.
We know that this is possible - and inevitable -  with enough love and forgiveness, and we pour our healing love into this world without limitation or restriction.  We know that Peace for All, Abundance for All, Health, Joy and Love for All is the natural and ideal state for our planet and that this state is sure to come.  We see hatred, anger and fear fading into nothingness as we open our minds and our hearts.

We know and affirm the power of our mind and thoughts and as our intention goes forth, the Infinite Power of the Universe aligns and makes it so.
And so it is.


PRAYER FOR THE DECADE OF NONVIOLENCE

I bow to the sacred in all creation.

May my spirit fill the world with beauty and wonder.
May my mind seek truth with humility and openness.
May my heart forgive without limit.
May my love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure.
May my needs be few and my living simple.
May my actions bear witness to the suffering of others. 
May my hands never harm a living being.
May my steps stay on the journey of justice.
May my tongue speak for those who are poor without fear of the powerful.
May my prayers rise with patient discontent until no child is hungry.
May my life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence.
May my soul rejoice in the present moment.
May my imagination overcome death and despair with new possibility.
And may I risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to the children.

- Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be known as the Children of God.
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from those who take away your cloak, do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to everyone who begs from you, and of those who take away your goods, do not ask for them again.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

- Author Unknown

Affirmative Prayer - A Better Way

“Silent Unity. How may we pray with you?”

Call: 1-816-969-2000    Available 24/7

When you call Silent Unity, anytime night or day, these are the first words you will hear. The phone will be answered by a trained prayer ministry associate who will ask for your first name and the name(s) of anyone for whom you are requesting prayer. The choice is yours whether you share these names. Rest assured, the information you provide is kept strictly confidential. You can then describe your situation and what kind of prayer you would like. You might want to ask for a prayer for healing … or prosperity … or a new job … or inner peace … or guidance … or a harmonious relationship … or to express joy and gratitude.

 Unity Vancouver Island uses “affirmative prayer.” Rather than begging or beseeching God, this method involves connecting with the spirit of God within and asserting positive beliefs about the desired outcome. Affirmative prayer is the same method of prayer Jesus taught when he said, “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

When most people think of prayer, they think of asking God for something.

Not so in Unity Vancouver Island.

If, for example, one were to pray traditionally, one might say: “Please God, help me find a job.” By contrast, an affirmative prayer might be: “I am now guided to my right and perfect employment.”

Affirmative prayer is an acceptance of what is already given and available.  It is seeing beyond circumstances and appearances to the Truth of our being - wholeness.  It is focusing on what is desired, not on what is perceived as lacking.

Both Unity and Centers for Spiritual Living (Science of Mind) teach a 5 step method of Affirmative Prayer

              UNITY 
Relaxation           Consciously relax the physical Body
Concentration    Entertain a positive thought or an affirmation about the desired outcome
Meditation          Sit with this thought, allowing the mind to slip gently into the silence
Silence                The state where thought and care have been released, allowing the inflow
                              of wisdom and inspiration
Thanksgiving      Reinforce the knowledge that, in the Infinite Mind that is God,  it is already done                            

            SCIENCE OF MIND
Recognition:    Recognize (know again) that there is one Creative Power all-knowing,       
all-powerful and present everywhere
Unification:      Therefore, that power is present within  and around  you     
Declaration:     Declare the desired outcome as already true and on  its way to manifestation
Gratitude:        Reinforce the knowledge that in the Infinite mind that is God, it is already done
Release:          Let go of concern and attachment, knowing that Universe is  responding           according to your belief

WHAT AFFIRMATIVE PRAYER IS NOT

Affirmative prayer is not:

  • begging a judgmental God to change his mind
  • asking God to favour you or your people over others
  • bargaining with God - pledging to be good in exchange for an answered prayer
  • A recitation of memorized words

OUR UNITY VANCOUVER ISLAND PRAYER GUIDES ARE HERE TO HELP

When we are able to gather in person at Unity one of our Prayer Guides is always available after service for one-on-one prayer.  You can request prayer by contacting our prayer team leader Glenys Wood  gjw03@shaw.ca.  Or if you would like to talk with a prayer guide, email prayers@unitynanaimo.org with your telephone number and a convenient time to call; one of our trained prayer guides will contact you.

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