How to Pray

Kathryn E. McDowell
http://www.religiousscience.org/SanRafael/treatment.htm

The Art of Affirmative Prayer

Spiritual Mind Treatment (simply called "treatment") is a form of prayer used by Dr. Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science and author of The Science of Mind as well as many other metaphysical works. Holmes taught that there is a scientific reasoning underlying all prayer, and that through this process of reasoning we are treating our own mind about the subject of our prayer. Prayer, whatever form is used, does nothing to God. It actually brings the one praying to a "realization" of God, a realization that all is well and that he/she is not alone in dealing with the situation. The realization in itself does the "healing." Treatment consists of five steps which are outlined herein. This type of prayer can be done individually or as a group. In the beginning, you may find it easier and more comfortable to simply read the steps as written (generic as they may be). When you begin your own deepening process as the result of treatment, you will find value in wording each step yourself so it more closely suits your situation. Therefore, the beginning of each step is an explanation of its purpose. The power of prayer has been known to humanity since the beginning of time. Each of us has found our own ways to experience and express our connection to that "Something" which is greater than our daily events and challenges. Spiritual Mind Treatment is one of those many ways. You are certain to find it effective and uplifting. Step 1 / Recognition In the beginning, God. Begin by recognizing that "God is all there is," including the issue of the prayer. Name as many attributes of God that you can think of to begin treating your mind. Remember: you are not "making" God these things; you are reminding yourself that this is what God is. You might say: God is. Whatever I may call It - Spirit, Infinite Intelligence, Divine Love, Total Peace - It is always the same: It is timeless, changeless, everywhere present and completely powerful to heal and renew me and this situation in my life. It is courage and pure joy. It is profound peace and uplifting laughter. It is total wisdom and the spontaneity to enjoy life. Step 2 / Unification It is easy to recognize that God is all these things. And it is often more difficult to see your unity with God and know that you are those same attributes. You are "made in the image and likeness of God." How can you be anything but the magnificence, power, love, etc. that you have just declared God is? You might say: God and I are One. I claim my Divine Inheritance and see, feel and know that I, too, am infinite intelligence, deep peace, unconditional love, harmony and joy. I am what God is. God is expressing through me right now as the complete solution to my present challenges. Step 3 / Realization The first two steps are often compared to meditation. When you have recognized that God is all there is, and completely unified with It, the "realization" comes that "all is well" and that "it is done." When you have experienced a richness and deepening as a result of the first two steps, the third step is a declaration of the Truth you have realized. It is always worded in the first person and in the present tense. You are not asking for anything. You are declaring and affirming that is the the Truth and is already done. REMEMBER: You are treating your own mind about this. The entire Kingdom has already been given to you. If you don't believe it, God can't do anything more for you. You might say: The Truth of God is the Truth of my life. I easily and effortlessly accept my greater good, knowing it is my Divine right and privilege to experience the very best that life has to offer. There are no obstacles, past experiences or beliefs which can keep my good fom me. I am always in the right place and the right time and the Intelligence of God within is in perfect action at all times. There are no mistakes in Spirit and this is the Truth of my life. Therefore, all is well, all is in order and Life supports me completely. Step 4 / Thanksgiving Here you express your gratitide for the successful completion of your declaration of Truth and for your willingness to see it, believe it and surrender to its unfoldment. In total gratitude for the beauty of my life and the perfect working of the spiritual law which responds to my thoughts and words, I am confident and joyous that my good is already unfolding through me as me. Step 5 / Release It's time to give it up to Spirit. you've done your work; now, let the Law do its work - through you! In this feeling of gratitude, I release this treatment to the Law. I know it was done before I even asked. Therefore, I release any doubts, fears or questions about the outcome and simply allow it to be my good - right now. I have declared to be so, And So It Is!