Prayer is a marvelous gift that blesses you and those for whom you pray. Whenever you pray for others, your connection with God will shift your consciousness and bless you. Of course, those for whom you pray are also blessed by the positive effect of your prayers—and the love of God—in their hearts, minds, and lives. After all, the experience of God is the real need of all people.

The gift of your prayers is the love of God shared through you. Doesn’t it feel good to be loved and loving?

A circle of love

How do you begin? Although it may be tempting to pray to change those you think need help, instead pray that they realize God is actively at work in their lives. The wholeness and peace they seek already exist for them, if only they can look beyond appearances to the realization that God is in charge.

When you pray with a positive approach, you can cancel any negativity that surrounds your loved ones and replace it with the positive energy from your prayers. You’ve now created a sacred circle in which love, understanding, and acceptance flow.

Believe

You may still wonder if praying for another person works. Will he or she feel the effects of your prayers?

The cofounders of Unity, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, believed so. For over 100 years, Silent Unity has been serving people of all faiths from all parts of the world through prayer. Throughout its long history, this prayer ministry has collected thousands of letters from people whose lives have been changed for the better after they contacted Silent Unity for prayer. “My prayers,” people say, “were answered.”

Using denials and affirmations

Unity has long taught the use of denials and affirmations. Denials are used to let go and release any power we are giving to a situation or condition in our lives. For instance, while you’re praying with someone going through a challenge in their prosperity, you would use the denial: "The appearance of lack has no power over you."

While denials eradicate any erroneous thinking, for your prayers to be complete, they must be followed by an affirmation. Affirmations are used to look beyond appearance to the spiritual truth that God is in charge. Affirmations fill the void left behind with positive statements of spiritual truth. In the case of a person with a prosperity challenge, you would now affirm: "You are filled to overflowing with the life, light, and love of God.  You are prosperous."

Time to pray

Take time to remember others in your prayers. Soon you’ll discover how it can be the highest blessing you can give them—and yourself.

Affirmation: I hold the high watch of faith as I pray for others. I know that each person I hold close in my heart is safe and well in God’s care.


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