A P R P B W P R A A

Monday, September 27, 2010

The operator of a health club used a clever strategy to promote a positive message to his clients. While he probed his patrons for physical flabbiness, he also probed them for spiritual flabbiness. He placed a sign on his wall with the following letters: A P R P B W P R A A. His goal was to attract the curious who would ask him the meaning. When questioned about the unusual group of letters, he would laugh and say, “They stand for ‘Affirmative Prayers Release Powers By Which Positive Results Are Accomplished.” He believed affirmative prayers always got results. He practiced praying positive prayers to God instead of whining to God.

Affirmative prayer is a prayer that focuses on a positive outcome rather than a negative situation. The prayer affirms that your desired intention has already happened.

Affirmative prayers are rooted in the New Thought Movement that developed in the United States during the late 19th century. This movement promoted the benefits of positive thinking and was the forerunner of our self-help books and positive thinking books we read today.

Jesus, our greatest teacher, guided us in the use of affirmative prayer 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).

Suggestions for Affirmative Prayer:

1. State the positive intent without mentioning the fear or the opposite of what is desired.

2. State the intent as if it has already occurred and/or as if it is presently occurring rather than stating it will happen in the future.

3. Express the prayer with gratitude and emotion.

God, in the uncertainty of daily living, I’m grateful that you are my rock, my anchor, my guide. As I turn over my thoughts, words, and actions to you today, I thank you for the peace and blessings I receive from you.