How We Pray

Prayer is at the Foundation of Unity
Unity emphasizes affirmative prayer, which focuses on recognizing the inherent oneness with God and affirming positive spiritual qualities rather than supplication. This involves a five-step process: relaxing, concentrating, meditating, realizing, and giving thanks. It's a practice of remembering the truth of our divine nature and aligning our thoughts and actions with that truth. 
Unity is a ministry founded on the power of prayer. It was through prayer that our co-founders, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, received significant and seemingly miraculous healings.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Affirmative Prayer:
Affirmative prayer, a core practice in Unity, involves focusing on positive beliefs and declarations to align with the divine and manifest desired outcomes.  Instead of asking for something to change, it emphasizes recognizing the presence of God within and asserting positive truths about a situation.  This approach is based on the belief that thoughts influence reality, and by focusing on positive intentions, individuals can attract positive experiences.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Focus on the Divine Within:
  Affirmative prayer centers on connecting with the God-presence believed to reside within each individual. 

• Positive Declarations:
  Instead of pleading or begging, individuals make positive statements about their desired outcome, believing it to be already true. 

• Manifestation:
  The practice is based on the idea that thoughts are creative and that by focusing on positive affirmations, individuals can co-create their desired reality. 

• Example:
  Instead of praying "Please God, help me find a job," an affirmative prayer might be "I am now guided to my right and perfect employment." 

• Five-Step Process:
  Many practitioners follow a five-step process: recognition (acknowledging the Divine), realization (recognizing oneness with the Divine), unification (affirming the desired outcome), integration (integrating divine qualities), and appreciation (expressing gratitude), according to Unity Worldwide Ministries. 

• Silent Unity:
  Unity's prayer ministry, Silent Unity, provides 24/7 prayer support, offering affirmative prayer to individuals worldwide. 

• Transformation:
  Affirmative prayer is seen as a tool for personal transformation, helping individuals align with their divine potential and experience greater well-being. 

• Focus on Oneness:
  Unity teaches that we are all inherently one with God and that we can access divine qualities within ourselves. 

• Emphasis on Positive Affirmations:
  Instead of focusing on what is lacking or asking for things, affirmative prayer emphasizes affirming positive truths about ourselves and our relationship with God. 

• Shifting Consciousness:
  The goal is to shift our awareness from our human limitations to our divine potential, leading to positive change in our lives. 
   

2. Five-Step Prayer Process:

The Unity Five-Step Process focuses on aligning one's thoughts and actions with the divine presence and principles of Unity. These steps guide individuals towards spiritual growth, self-discovery, and a more fulfilling life by encouraging the conscious application of Unity's core beliefs. 
The Unity Five-Step Prayer Process, also known as the "Silent Unity Prayer Method", is a spiritual practice focused on connecting with the divine presence through a series of steps. These steps are: Relaxation, Concentration, Meditation, Realization, and Thanksgiving. 

• Relax:
  Begin by quieting the mind and body, consciously connecting with the presence of God within.

• Concentrate:
  Focus on a specific truth or affirmation that resonates with you, repeating it silently or aloud until it fills your thoughts.

• Meditate:
  Allow the focused thought to deepen your awareness of God's presence.

• Realize:
  Know with certainty that you are one with God, experiencing a silent communion with the divine.

• Give Thanks:
  Express gratitude for the blessings you are receiving and for the new understanding and insights gained. 

3. Key Elements:

• Stillness:
  Finding a quiet space and allowing oneself to be still and listen for guidance is an important part of the process. 

• Listening:
  Beyond speaking affirmations, Unity prayer encourages actively listening for the still, small voice of God within. 

• Integration:
  The process involves not only recognizing divine qualities but also integrating them into one's life, aligning thoughts, words, and actions with these qualities. 

• Realization and Manifestation:
  As one aligns with divine principles, they can experience a shift in consciousness and begin to see these principles manifest in their lives. 

• Gratitude:
  Expressing gratitude is a crucial part of the process, acknowledging the power within to create positive change. 

In essence, Unity's approach to prayer is a transformative practice of connecting with the divine within, affirming positive truths, and aligning with the flow of God's love and wisdom to create a more fulfilling life. 

The Prayer for Protection
The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is!
And all is Devine.

Unity Prayer Chaplain Ministry

Unity Prayer Chaplains are individuals committed to the sacred practice of prayer and spiritual support within the Unity community. They are trained to hold sacred space, listen with compassion, and offer affirmative prayer, acting as a bridge between individuals and their connection with the Divine. 

Key aspects of a Unity Prayer Chaplain's role:

• Holding Spiritual Space:
  Creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their spiritual journey. 

• Loving Listening:
  Providing a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings. 

• Affirmative Prayer:
  Focusing on the positive and divine potential within each person and situation, as taught in Unity. 

• Confidentiality:
  Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding what is shared with them. 

• Accessibility:
  Being available to pray with individuals after Sunday services and through other forms of contact, such as phone calls or email. 

How they serve:

• One-on-one prayer:
  Prayer Chaplains offer personal prayer support to individuals seeking guidance or comfort. 

• Sunday service support:
  They are often present after services to pray with those who request it. 

• Wellness calls:
  Some prayer chaplains make regular calls to members to offer support and prayer. 

• Prayer requests:
  They may receive and respond to written prayer requests submitted through various channels. 

Becoming a Prayer Chaplain:

• Specialized training:
  Prayer chaplains typically undergo specific training in Unity's affirmative prayer methods and in holding confidentiality. 

• Commitment:
  They often make a commitment to serve for a specific period, such as a year, and fulfill certain responsibilities. 

• Spiritual growth:
  Serving as a prayer chaplain is often seen as a way to deepen one's own spiritual maturity and connection with the Divine. 

 To learn more about Unity's Prayer Chaplain Ministry see or e-mail Pam Redmer, pam.redmer@unityofcitrus.org