What Prayer Can Do for You
This article is one of the Unity Classics written by legendary leaders of Unity. Some date back decades, even a century. That’s why the language may seem a bit formal, and the writers sometimes used masculine nouns and pronouns that were considered proper for their era.
The practice of regular prayer offers many benefits, beyond faith
Prayer is for anyone and everyone. It is a natural inclination of the child or the adult.
It is not a strange, fanatical, or emotional approach to a problem, but a quiet, Christlike attitude that looks for the good in everything and everyone. It is an attitude of heart and mind that knows there is a good outworking for every challenge …
If you will accept this statement that prayer is the answer, that prayer is power, and that prayer can change all things that need changing in your life … you have placed yourself in the stream of blessing that is available to all who ask in faith, believing.
Prayer Moves the Negative to the Positive
If you are unhappy, prayer can lift you into a new lightness of heart, joy, and happiness.
If you are plagued with resentment and bitterness regarding a person or situation, prayer can bring a new understanding that will fill you with peace and amazing love.
If you are fearful, prayer can transform you into a person of great courage.
If you appear sick or financially lacking, prayer can heal your body and restore your affairs. There is nothing prayer cannot do for you …
Prayer is your inner contact with wisdom, understanding, and inspiration. Prayer is your awareness that the Spirit of truth, of which Jesus spoke, is not only with you but within you, ready to teach you all things. “The Spirit of truth … will guide you into all the truth; … and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13).
A few moments of being still, quieting your mind and listening within, will so calm your thoughts that you can pick up your work and activities with renewed wisdom and confidence. A few moments of complete silence, acknowledging the presence of God surrounding you, within you, will bring forth new strength and assurance and will fill your body with fresh vigor and vitality …
True prayer is an inner attitude. Prayer makes no demands concerning time or location. Right where you are, at your place of business, on the street, in the home, you can pray and pray effectively. The presence of God is everywhere at all times …
If you think you do not know how to begin praying, listen within and this Spirit of truth will teach you. If you feel inadequate about praying, be still and obedient and the Spirit within will guide you …
Pray in your way. You will see that your life will be transformed and blessed.
Stand on no formality. Do not be ashamed to pray. Do not feel guilty because you have prayed infrequently before. Begin to pray now in your own way, in your own time, in your own place of life, and see what prayer can do for you.