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Adapted from the Unity Worldwide Ministries Booklet - LENT 2016. “Lent is a season of spiritual growth, a time for progressive unfoldment, to lift us into a higher, purer, more spiritual state.” Charles Fillmore Today's True Lent Affirmation: From Keep a True Lent by Charles Fillmore: In the spirit of divine love I affirm: "Forgetting the things that are behind, I realize I am strong, positive, powerful, wise, loving, fearless, free spirit. I am God's perfect child." Denial by Rev. Toni Stephens Coleman Negative thoughts have no power over me. I am centered and peaceful. Denial clears away the debris of unhealthy thoughts. Unity cofounder Charles Fillmore said we are to use denials “as though we were gently sweeping away cobwebs.” Then we quickly fill the void in our consciousness with strong, positive affirmations. When we mentally release and let go of thoughts and beliefs that block our good, we are free to manifest what we truly desire in our lives. We give no power to any thought or action that does not serve us. Fillmore likened our consciousness to “a temple” and the thoughts that stand in the way of our good as “thieves and robbers.” The simplest denial to speak is simply “No!” or “Stop!” When our minds churn with thoughts that rob our peace of mind, it is time to say “Stop!” and affirm the Truth that all is well. The Daily True Lent Practice: The Keeping of a True Lent is the dedicated daily practice of true: Repentance, Fasting and Prayer. Take time to begin each new day of Lent by reading the lesson and setting your affirmation in prayer for the day. In the evening dedicate a few minutes to review and reflect on your True Lent experience for that day. Release all that is not your best and highest good, and affirm the growing awareness of that which is your best and highest good. Take time for gratitude and silence. The Practice of True Repentance: Charles Fillmore Repentance is a turning from a belief in error to a belief in truth and righteousness. A process of giving up the false for the true. Repentance means denial; it is a relinquishment out of consciousness of old error thoughts. Repentance is forgiveness. It is through forgiveness that true spiritual healing is accomplished. The Practice of True Fasting: Charles Fillmore Fast from the false, and feast, feed your faith on the true and good. Fasting means abstinence. In fasting, abstain from error thinking and meditate on spiritual Truth until incorporated into the consciousness of oneness with the Father. To fast from all unworthy thought and feast on the good and the true. The practice of True Prayer: Charles Fillmore In true prayer we take with us words of Truth, a statement of Truth, or an affirmation, and turn our attention within to the very center of our being, where the awareness of the Divine dwells. We affirm these words of Truth and meditate on them, then get very still and wait in the silence for God to make them real to us. The Five Step Affirmative Prayer Practice: Firstly, assume a comfortable prayer position; relax the body, calm the mind and quieten the spirit. Secondly, concentrate on the awareness of oneness with the presence and power of the Divine within. Thirdly, say the affirmation of truth that you desire to come into realization in you, demonstration through you, and into material manifestation in your life. Say the affirmation of truth with faith and a feeling of deep assurance. Fourthly, enter into the sacred space of silence. As thoughts distract you, acknowledge and release them, return your awareness to the silence. Lastly, end with a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude for the the good you have affirmed and its coming manifestation in your life. If you have any questions about the spiritual insights in this teaching, blog post or any other of my Spiritual Director services: counseling, coaching, teaching, programs or retreats, contact me directly at: info@cdlministries.com
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