Holding the High Watch (2/2)
Building upon the first part of Rev. Jean-Marie's lesson on prayer and in retrospect to last Thursday's World Day of Prayer, we will conclude this brief exploration of the Power of Prayer with some ideas for the practical application in our daily lives.
Join us for another inspiring message and wonderful music, and enjoy fellowship and fun with our Second Sunday potluck and Survey Says game.
Listen & Watch
Sermon Notes
Opening Prayer
Native American: Cherokee Prayer
O’Great Spirit help me always to speak the truth quietly
To listen with an open mind when others speak
And to remember the peace that may be found in silence.
Buddhism: The Refuge Prayer
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
I go to the Dhamma (highest) for refuge.
Sanghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
I go to the Sangha (community) for refuge.
Hinduism: A Prayer for Unity
(from the Rig Veda)
Let us be united;
Let us speak in harmony;
Let our minds apprehend alike.
Common be our prayer,
Common be the end of our assembly;
Common be our resolution;
Common be our deliberations.
Alike be our feelings;
Unified be our hearts;
Common be our intentions;
Perfect be our unity.
Islam: The Fatiha
(the opening words of the Qur’an)
In the name of Allah, Most gracious, Most merciful
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds
Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment
Thee do we worship, and Thine aide we seek
Show us the straight way
The way of those on whom Thou has bestowed thy Grace, those whose portion
Is not wrath, and who do not go astray.
Judaism: The Shema
(from the book Deuteronomy, chapter 6)
Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your might.
And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart.
And you shall teach them diligently to your children,
and you shall speak of them when you sit at home,
and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.
And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.
And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Christianity: The Lord’s Prayer
(From the book of Matthew, chapter 6)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Main Scripture
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Supporting Scripture
“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
Metaphysical Interpretations
(Charles Fillmore, Revealing Word)
Prayer – Prayer is the most highly accelerated mind action known. It steps up mental action until man's consciousness synchronizes with the Christ Mind. It is the language of spirituality; when developed it makes man master in the realm of creative ideas. Prayer is more than supplication. It is an affirmation of Truth that eternally exists, but which has not yet come into consciousness. It comes into consciousness not by supplication but by affirmation.
Unity’s 5 Basic Principles
There is only one Presence and one Power in our lives and in the universe—God, Goodness, Omnipotence.
We are God expressing such inherent Goodness.
Our way of thinking shapes how we experience our lives.
We use prayer, meditation, denials, and affirmations to expand our spiritual Understanding.
Knowing these Principles is not enough. We must act upon and live them every day.
Unity’s 5-Step Affirmative Prayer Process
Relaxation. Breathe deeply and focus within. Become willing to know a truth that frees you from all concerns.
How to: Take deep, conscious breaths. As you relax your body and release busy thoughts, feel your heart opening up.Concentration. Recognize God Power as life, love, wisdom, and ever-present good.
How to: Center your thoughts on the ever-present God Energy in your life. You might want to inhale God IS, exhale I AM.Meditation. In silent reflection, see that God Power is the same power within you—your divine potential.
How to: In silence, experience the power of your own divinity, knowing you share all God Attributes—love, strength, wisdom.Realization. Know that you have the power to be, to do, to have, and to allow the good you desire.
How to: Feel a click as everything falls into place and you know all is well, regardless of outer circumstances. It is done.Appreciation. Grateful for your growing spiritual awareness, you are empowered to live fully now and into a fulfilling future.
How to: Empower your life with every expression of gratitude.
Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yama – Ethical Principles
Niyama – Virtuous Habits
Āsana – Posture
Prānāyāma – Breath
Pratyāhāra – Drawing Within
Dhāraṇā – Focused Concentration
Dhyāna – Meditative Absorption
Samādhi – Enlightened Bliss
