The Silent Unity prayer ministry was the founding work of Unity. It originated in the heart of cofounder Myrtle Fillmore, who, through her own spiritual awakening, was healed and began to share her ideas and consciousness with others. Myrtle’s inspiration came from these words: “I am a child of God and therefore I do not inherit sickness.” As she held this idea in mind, she manifested healing through affirmative prayer.

Myrtle’s husband Charles embraced technology, beginning with the printed word, for sharing Truth and prayer affirmations. In 1907, he added the new telephone technology to the prayer work of Silent Unity. Charles knew that this would enable even more people to receive the prayer support they desired. Silent Unity now prays individually with callers from around the world.

Affirmative prayer continues to be the cornerstone of the Unity ministry today. What began in the home of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in Kansas City, Missouri, as a personal prayer practice grew into praying with people who came to their home and then with those who called them for prayer. The Fillmores’ labor of love and faith expanded to offices at 9th and Tracy in Kansas City, and eventually to Unity Village, where the Silent Unity ministry continues to serve thousands of people each day.

Silent Unity is often referred to as the heart of the Unity movement, and for many people, it is a heart that beats in rhythm with our world. Personal journeys and human history have been enveloped in prayer for more than a century, including world wars, natural disasters, and social upheavals.

As director of Silent Unity for many years, James Dillet Freeman spoke and wrote of the purpose of Silent Unity as helping people rekindle their faith. This sacred work and purpose continue today. Centered in God and united in prayer, Silent Unity uplifts minds and hearts to give people whatever faith, courage, and strength they seek.

The prayer consciousness that was established as the work began in 1890 is a palpable presence in Silent Unity today. The ministry has grown through the years, moving from one building to another. Though its place of operations has changed, Silent Unity’s steadfast dedication to affirmative prayer has not. Every prayer begins by affirming the truth of God’s perfect life and love at work now and for the highest good of all.

Currently, Silent Unity receives more than 4000 calls a day. Each of 200 dedicated and well-trained prayer associates answers every call with a greeting familiar to many through the decades: “Silent Unity, How may we pray with you?”

Compassionate listening is followed by the invitation to focus on the presence and power of God within. Affirmative prayer is spoken, acknowledging God’s constant good and envisioning its demonstration in the lives of those uplifted in prayer.

The prayers of Silent Unity are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More than 1.5 million calls are now received annually, with two million calls projected annually by 2012. The growth of the ministry, coupled with an outdated telephone system, requires new technology and a more efficient system to answer every call. Internet Protocol Telephony (IPT) will support additional growth in Silent Unity through integrated contact and remote staffing capability. With the help of additional staff and technology, Silent Unity will continue as a reassuring voice of faith, hope, and love, and as “the light that shines for you.”


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