10/21/2025
Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Some thoughts on prayer
On Sunday I did a presentation at my church, Parkway United Church of Christ, about starting a prayer chaplain ministry. This is an idea that Pastor Kevin and I have met about several times. It was an invitation for any congregants who might be interested in being people who pray out loud with a congregant before and after service on Sundays. I have suggested that another way to pray is to use the principles of Affirmative Prayer, as I had learned them during my Unity experience as a prayer chaplain.
In attendance was the young man who is the Christian Education Director at Parkway. I was pleasantly surprised when he came in the room, coffee mug in hand. He is usually very quiet and I admit I have never had a conversation with him. I’ve just watched his young self support our pastor and lead the bustling kids groups. So, when he took a seat I was happy to see him. He listened carefully, brought up some good points, and seemed interested in being a part of this ministry.
Imagine my surprise yesterday when I got a lengthy email from him. He outlined his premises about prayer and asked if they would fit in this new endeavor. I’ve answered him as follows:
“You wrote your premises about prayer, and I will join you by outlining the Unity principles that underlie affirmative prayer:
1. God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance.
2. Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of God/Spirit
3. Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences
4. Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature within God.
5. It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learnings in all areas of life, incorporating them into thoughts, words, and actions.
When I pray with someone I start by acknowledging the spiritual bond that prayer creates as we stand together, be it in joy or sorrow. I find the words, “As always, we are guided by God within, and God around us” to be a helpful way to create that bridge between the two people joined in the moment. It is also a reminder that God is as close as our breath and heartbeat, our constant companion no matter the circumstances. In that way, we have immediate access to God’s creative nature. It is this energy that helps us find the strengths within – strengths we may need in order to address the prayer request. I believe prayer is an affirmation that we have the ability to find what we need, always led by God’s love.
This way of praying in no way diminishes what the congregant is experiencing, particularly in difficult situations of loss, or illness, or confusion about what to do next. Instead, it is a reminder that through our troubles runs the possibility of finding a new way to look at a situation. I like to remind people that by the simple act of prayer, they are sending thoughtful energy in whatever direction they are being challenged. My prayer usually includes a reminder of the resources that God creates for us. For example, if someone is asking for prayer for healing for another person, I pray that whoever is involved in that person’s care will use all of their talents to do the healing work that is required. I also talk about the body’s exceptional ability to heal itself whenever possible. Even when that is no longer an option, we can pray that the spirit of peace and comfort will surround all involved.
I guess I believe that prayer is not bargaining – it is acknowledging that in God’s infinite wisdom we have been given talents and strengths that carry us through our days. If a congregant is feeling helpless in a given situation, I don’t try to change how they are feeling. Instead I pray that the powers of imagination, faith, strength, understanding that live within them be brought into consciousness. I believe prayer can be a lightning rod to find these strengths and use them.
I am a 12 Step person myself. So, the Serenity Prayer is an absolute necessity and source of support. Asking God to grant me serenity, acceptance, courage and wisdom is a reminder that I already have these things within, and that sometimes I forget this. Saying these time honored words aloud or silently directly affects my “next right thing to do”.
These are my early morning thoughts. I hope they help support the mutual understanding that we share about prayer. The question is if any part of this resonates with you. I would appreciate your feedback. As to whether there is “space” for your approach to prayer I say, absolutely! It is not my intent or within my power to require that we MUST use affirmative prayer – that is a highly personal choice and should not impinge on anyone’s comfort level about this ministry.”
And so it is. Amen
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