Each month, return to “Science of Mind Afterglow” for a full article from the previous month’s edition. It’s a free preview of our transformational content, and we’ll include a new spiritual contemplation to enhance your daily practice. Get ready to pick up new divine signals and insights!
Contemplation: Get still and quiet your managing mind for a moment. Breathe in, long and slow. Hand on your heart, consider the good you desire. Name three ways you might let yourself be met exactly as you are today, and feel into that truth. Declare that good aloud, and then take a moment to name something good that has happened recently. Give that prayer to the universe.
Unanswered Prayers: A Skeptic’s Guide
by Rev. Lauren Martin
Never fret. There is no such thing as an unanswered prayer.
So many times, we think our prayers go unanswered because there is too much time between the ask and the answer, or the answer seems to be a resounding no.
The truth is the universe answers our prayers in one of three ways: 1. yes, 2. not now or 3. I have something better in store for you. The universe and our subconscious have one thing in common: Neither understands the word no. The universe will either give us what we want, take the time needed to create it or provide something so amazing that our minds cannot even begin to understand it.
Some are prone to being skeptics, and I know there are those who point out all the times their prayers weren’t answered or they didn’t get exactly what they wanted as proof that prayers don’t work. Let’s look at how to strengthen our prayer work so even the most skeptical among us can become powerful manifesters.
Freedom of Speech
When I started studying Science of Mind, one of my favorite discoveries was that we didn’t have to memorize our prayers and say them by rote. I know for some, this approach can be intimidating, so let’s make it simple.
Ernest Holmes gave us an outline for affirmative prayer, with steps to follow. Those steps are:
- Recognition: See God in everything.
- Unification: Remember that seeing God in everything includes you.
- Realization: Declare all the good you desire.
- Thanksgiving: Appreciate all the good that is done.
- Release: Give the prayer to the universe, knowing it is already done so you can let it go.
How you approach each of the five steps is up to you. Some people use flowery language and pretty words, so each prayer seems like a love sonnet to the universe. Some like it down and dirty and get straight to the point. All that matters is that you speak in a way that is true to you and helps you feel heard.
Here is a template to help you get the five steps for a quick prayer: God is all there is, so God is within me. Because of this I have/am/know (insert a few words of what you want to manifest). And I say, “Thank you, God; it’s now in Your hands.” And so it is.
Here’s an example: God is all there is, so God is within me. Because of this, I know that I am open and ready to receive unlimited financial abundance. I say, “Thank you, God, it’s now in Your hands.” And so it is.
It’s All About the Feeling
We need to remember that all of our words are prayers. We are always in communication with the universe, and the universe always listens.
That being the case, where we put most of our energy is what we will manifest. It doesn’t have to be positive energy because the universe doesn’t differentiate. The universe simply says yes to what we focus on and where we use the most energy.
Treat and Move Your Feet
In Science of Mind, we’re taught that when we release a prayer into the creative medium or universe, we let it go as if we planted a seed. We often hear that you shouldn’t go back and dig up the seed to see if it is starting to sprout. While this is true, you also must water the seed and make sure it has enough light.
In reality, your actions and your words need to be in alignment. If I pray to be skinny but sit on the couch all day eating junk food, the universe doesn’t have a clear picture of what I want. I have to start moving around and change my diet so there is no doubt about what I want to create.
I know this is hard. I struggle with this daily. But here is another piece of good news. You aren’t striving for perfection. Worry, fear and doubt are natural when we pray and work with the universe to create the life we want. The point is to not get stuck in those feelings. Feel them fully, then remember who you are and that an abundant universe is always working in your favor.
We all find it hard sometimes to create new habits or change how we think. But every faltering, clumsy baby step in the right direction leads you closer to your goal. Remember, you are always doing your best. Prayer just helps you focus your best so you get more of what you want.
