Truthfully – it does not work for me now. Why? I do not pray to a God ‘out there’. Unity has helped me experience God within me, instead of a being separate from me, whom I need to beg to get help to ensure all my needs are met! Unity describes God (Source, Creator, Infinite Love, Divine Mind, Universal Presence or whatever term works for you) as ‘Beingness’. In other words, the experience or qualities of goodness, described by us in many ways (love, wisdom, life, strength, peace, joy etc.) Where do I find these qualities? They are already within me, as God and I are one. The very words and teachings of Jesus are real and true for every single one of us, when we make this our focus: when we ‘follow in his footsteps’. (For more detail about Unity’s beliefs click here: https://www.unityuk.org/beliefs.html) Affirmative prayer guides us, through our thoughts, words and actions, to tune into this energy or experience of oneness to know that our good is already here and available – it is a matter of re-tuning our minds and hearts into this experience. It calls forth our good, here and now. It is such a different way of praying. No more begging or feeling unworthy or superior. Affirmative prayer is ‘knowing’, at a deeper level, that we are all equally important, beloved and loving, because we already are one with God and our good. Of course, this is not always our experience, so a huge shift in how we think and respond to our world is called for. This shift in consciousness is what changes us. Yet we can do this because God and I are one and we have tools to help us. Affirmative prayer is one such tool. For it is positive and in the present moment. We often use the statement I AM – just as Jesus did. “In the Mind of God, I am alive, and enlivened, through the power of Divine Life.” “I am healthy, whole and well.” “I am guided to my infinite good.” “I am peace – and I respond as peace in the world.” This is how we pray in Unity. This is how we pray when we come together for Unity’s annual World Day of Prayer in September. We will explore this way of praying at our September retreat, focused on health and healing. Join us online for our World Day of Prayer. Join us in person at our retreat at The Kairos Centre, SW London, and experience the power of affirmative prayer for yourself. I look forward to sharing both these events with you. For it is when we come together, that we really learn, grow and serve our world. Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK
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As we say so often in Unity, prayer is the cornerstone of our teachings and practices, because prayer changes us.
Why? Perhaps because, as Unity minister and author Eric Butterworth wrote, “Prayer in Unity is designed to help us discover God’s presence. …. As we get a greater perception of our relation to the universe, there is no one to pray to … only a universal flow to get into; a spiritual energy to pray from ... The science of prayer is not a technique for getting into God, or for getting God into us. It is the awareness of our true self in its largest possible context and the key to changing things by altering our self-limiting attitudes.” (The Universe is Calling Ch. 1) Take a moment to reflect on this quote, for there is a lot here. Was this something that was taught to you as a child? Certainly, I did not experience prayer this way, which was probably why prayer did not work for me, until I re-discovered Unity. Like me, I think many people were taught to pray to a God-presence outside themselves, begging for things to be different and to get God’s attention; praying from a sense of unworthiness and lack. This is perhaps why so many in the world today do not pray until they are desperate and feel they have nowhere else to turn. Not as powerful, loving or connecting an experience as prayer can be. Of course, as children, we take onboard the self-limiting beliefs of our parents, guardians and teachers, and they the same before them. As children we are like sponges, for without even realising it we soak up and take on the beliefs and demands of our community and culture, to fit in and stay safe. How understandable this is. Yet as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13: 11-12, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” We are called to know ourselves as God knows us – not as someone unworthy, but as made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). Prayer in Unity, along with meditation, is the way we can deeply access God-within and our True Self. Does this speak to you personally? If this sounds interesting and you would like to know more, join us on Zoom to share:
Prayer changes us – let yourself be changed to release the divine flow, the Christ energy within you.
Do you relate to this message in any way? I know that at times I have felt overwhelmed, when it seemed everything was changing. Yet I have also recognised the call to come higher; to open into and connect with the God-energy, which is greater than me, yet is always here. This focusing on God as my life, love, wisdom and peace, has been my comfort, joy and peace. How do we make the connection that Myrtle writes? We stop, turn our attention away from the distractions or problems of the world, to pray words of love and support and then listen to the still, small voice within, before taking new action and thinking new thoughts. Emmett Fox called this The Golden Key. Prayer is the heart of Unity. This month, you can join us in Unity and be part of our annual World Day of Prayer, Thursday 8th September, when tens of thousands of people around the world will be joining in conscious, connected prayer. Why pray? Again, we turn to Myrtle Fillmore who wrote (Healing Letters P35), “Prayer, as Jesus Christ understood and used it, is communion with God; the communion of the child with his Father; the splendid confidential talks of the son with the Father. This communion is an attitude of heart and mind that lifts the individual into a wonderful sense of oneness with God, who is Spirit, the source of every good and perfect thing, and the substance that supplies all the child’s needs, social needs, mental needs, physical needs, or needs of a financial nature. Positive declaration of the truth of one’s unity with God sets up a new current of thought power, which delivers one from the old beliefs and their depression. And when the soul is lifted up and becomes positive, the body and the affairs are readily healed.” Prayer, through the letting go of old thoughts, doubts or fears, followed by claiming and knowing our good, are the tools we use to support us in our life as we move from the old to the new – a larger, brighter, more joyful life-experience, for ourselves and everyone around us. Prayer changes us As we say in Unity, prayer changes us. Further, by consciously choosing to connect with others at the same time and in the same way, through Unity’s World Day of Prayer, we are open to experience the deeper changes and good we seek in our world. At this time on our planet, there is a profound call for us to awaken into our true Christ identity. To live more deeply, the light and truth we are, and hereby helping others do the same. It is together that we awaken; together that we experience love and joy; together we experience peace. So join us for our annual World Day of Prayer and share in the experience of moving from one room, into a lighter, larger place of being.  Let’s Celebrate Life This theme for our summer festive gathering at Unity Maidenhead, 17th July, is exciting us, as we plan to be together at last in person again. So much has made our lives feel difficult, and for many this continues, so it can sometimes almost feel wrong to celebrate life. Our primary role here at Silent Unity and Daily Word UK headquarters, is to hold all people in our hearts and prayers, supporting each one who is struggling and feels alone, through affirmation and faith. For we know that in the midst of all chaos, all challenges and distractions, God is here. This is always worth celebrating. For when we know this, we experience the greater good that is God here in, through, for and as us all.
Further, as Eric Butterworth, Unity author and minister, writes beautifully in his book, ‘Celebrate Yourself’: “It has been said: When the ties that bind the mind are broken and a person is introduced to his real self that has no limitations, the bells of heaven ring for joy. This is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “… it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). As the universe rushes and streams into you from all sides, it is a veritable cosmic celebration of ecstasy. It could be said, and should be, that you are the universe celebrating yourself as you.” As a Unity friend from Yorkshire says, ‘WOW! Wonder of wonders!’ Take a moment and read the paragraph again. What a totally different way to view life and live our lives, from the way most of us have been brought up. So, just as the Queen celebrates 70 years on the throne, (and we are celebrating a 4-day bank holiday weekend, thank you, God) let us also celebrate the wonderful human and spiritual beings we are. As Unity always encourages us, let us find ways to live the truth we know, let our light shine and help others know how beautiful they are too. There is a lot going on on this planet we call home. However, every experience and person is calling us ever higher in our thinking and living. The invitation is to awaken to our True Self and be the activity of Pure Awareness in our own unique way. Of course, this has always been so. But, with so much showing us what is not working in our world, we have lots of opportunities to live and share what does work. It comes back to us, for, as one of my favourite sayings goes: if not now, when; if not you, who? So … How can you celebrate life? What joy and laughter, beauty and creativity do you bring to the world? For you do. What unique and amazing ways does God show up as you? Yes, you! Let us celebrate together at our summer events in Unity this year. We are worth celebrating. Rev Kimerie Mapletoft Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK The importance of self-care within spiritual community.
Our faith in God, the Presence that we reside within, is something that keeps us stronger, healthier and peaceful. However, even with faith, there are times when we feel pushed to the limit, completely outside of our comfort zone, afraid of what is going on around or within us. This is when it is so important to turn to our spiritual community for affirmative prayer and support. Mental health has really come to the fore through lock-down; and prayer is such a powerful resource and tool, to develop and use. Perhaps the most important step is learning not to make anything wrong, including ourselves! When we can surrender our judgements of what we think should be happening, or how we should respond, we make space for Divine wisdom and love, comfort and care. We discover we can see the way forward and take the steps that are ours, with renewed clarity, authority and faith. The first step in prayer is release: To let go of judgements, or ask for help in letting go, is to make way for the flow of Divine life, love and wisdom, eternally present. None of us like feeling alone or isolated, so it is very important that we reach out to others who will not judge us, but listen, support, encourage and uplift us. This is where Silent Unity, our prayer ministry, can really help. We pray affirmatively, listening with love and compassion, then inviting the caller to come together to connect with God’s love, guidance, life and peace, that is here in our midst. Prayer is such a powerful tool – it connects us with each other and with God. Perhaps this is what is needed more than ever: To know that we are part of something greater than ourselves that is, for us, loving, compassionate, understanding, non-judgemental and actively present to bring forth the highest good for everyone. To connect with Silent Unity in confidential prayer and pray in person with our fully trained volunteers: Call: 01628 628916 Email: [email protected] Write: 10 Lake End Court, Taplow Road, Taplow, Bucks, SL6 0JQ Silent Unity is here to pray with you – to see the Christ energy being born in all of us anew as we move into this New Year. Together let us honour each other, love each other and celebrate all the ways that God as good is being born in us, and in our world. Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK |
