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Prayer: Spiritual Superstition or Spiritual Science? - Page 2

© Richard Kent Matthews

Do people really get healed at such shrines as Lourdes (France), or Fatima (Portugal), or Medjugore (Yugoslavia), or Guadalupe, Mexico, or upstate New York? I believe they do, not because they hold to the one and only Truth, but because, as Jesus said to the woman who touched the hem of His garment, "Your faith has made you whole." The secret to answered prayer lies within each of us: When you pray, believe that you receive what you ask for, and you will receive it. It's as simple as that.

One powerful form of praying is called "affirmations." I've mentioned them throughout these New Thought articles, but for those of you who are not familiar with the way and the power of affirmations, I repeat the process for you here: (This process is adapted from the magnificent writings of Sondra Ray and Bob Trask. Thanks to them both.)

Affirmations are powerful, positive present tense statements that, when repeated, help to change your mind. They DO NOT change the mind of Spirit, or God, or Jesus, or Buddha (or whatever you call Higher Power). When your mind is changed, your world changes.

When affirmations are repeated, with feeling and attention to the meaning of the words, they are powerful. To be effective, they must be repeated many times in order to "reprogram" our minds. Repeat your affirmation 25 times in the morning and 25 times in the evening before retiring. Following this routine faithfully for one month will bring amazing results into your life. Following it for two months will change your life in ways you cannot imagine. Be prepared and be sure you know what you want. That may be the most difficult part!

Affirmations go through stages when repeated daily. The first stage is DISBELIEF. This usually lasts about a week, but may go on for a bit longer. Writing your affirmations will show you quickly your level of disbelief. Write your affirmation and then, any negative thought that follows. Don't judge the thought. Just note it. Continue writing and saying the affirmation until you get to the state known as "neutral."

In the second stage you may experience DISSOCIATION. The affirmation seems to have no meaning for you. Most people quit here, thinking the process is not working. So DO NOT GIVE UP! Your subconscious is letting go of its old tapes. This stage lasts a couple of weeks.

The third stage is the MIRACLE stage. You will start noticing that the affirmation feels true to you. This stage usually begins three to five weeks after beginning the affirmation process. It is imperative that you continue affirming now. You are about to receive!

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