UP Church

MAY 5         

I AM AT HOME IN THE UNIVERSE WHEREVER I MAY BE, ONE WITH GOD, ONE WITH PEOPLE, ONE WITH THAT ABIDING FAITH THAT KNOWS NO FEAR   

And all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.   

 John 17:10 (E.R.V)

This meditation is an all-inclusive prayer because it includes ourselves and others.  It is truly doing unto others what we would they should do unto us and establishes a unity between ourselves and those around us, a feeling that we all are some part of the Kingdom of Good.  This all-inclusive prayer, then, is one which expands our consciousness of the True Self and at the same times blesses those around us.

Believing that there is a Divine Presence closer to me than my very breath, and realizing that I live in the one perfect Spirit, and knowing that the God around and the God within me is one God, I say: My Father, which art in heaven within me, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom is come now, and I accept it.  Looking about me, I say to all people: Your Father, which is in your heaven within you, hallowed be His name, for you are one with Him forever more.  There is one Life, that Life is God, that Life is your life now – and that Life is perfect.

Looking upon the circumstances which surround me, I bless them even as Jesus blessed the bread and broke it, and even as the loaves and fishes multiplied in the outstretched and upturned hand of his love, so I know that everything in my experience that is good is multiplied and increased.  Even as I feel the increase pressing into my own experience, I give it out, with no thought of return that it may feed and bless and multiply the good of others, these others who are some part of me because God is in them and in me, and we are in each other.   

Taken from “365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

MAY 4   

TODAY, AS A CHILD, I ENTER INTO THE GLADNESS OF LIVING, TRUSTING IN THE ETERNAL GOODNESS   

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down… and running over, shall men give into your bosom…   

Luke 6:38

Who would not be as a child again?  Who would not again have the simple faith and childlike trust that somehow or other we seem to lose on the pathway of human experience?  Things crowd in upon us until we lose one of the greatest of all gifts – the simple, spontaneous joy of living and a trust in the power of Good which alone is able, ready and willing to meet all our needs.  Let us, then, again return to the place of assurance that comes with the simplicity of faith.

I now command the multitude of doubts and fears that crowd into my mind to be quiet, while the Divine miracle takes place in my life.  I let every good I possess become multiplied as Divine Love acts upon my faith to bring into my experience everything necessary to my well-being.  I know that this Divine Good includes all things that are necessary – food and shelter, love and friendship, and the accomplishment of every right purpose.

And so my faith, the faith of the little child in me, rises with expectancy to meet the new day, comes in joy to accept the bounty of heaven.  With the faith of a little child I place my human hand in the invisible Hand of the All-sustaining Good and I let the miracle of life and love take place.  I break my bread, with thanks, and distribute such good as I have to everyone I meet.  I say of my own household and the households of all others:  “God bless the four corners of this house, and be the lintel blest, and bless the bed and bless the board, and bless each place of rest.  And bless the door that opens wide to stranger as to kin, and bless each crystal windowpane that lets the sunlight in.”  

Taken from “365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

MAY 3   

TODAY I SEEK AND FIND NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH MY FAITH IN THE POWER OF GOD    

…the darkness hideth not from thee… the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.   

Psalm 139:12

To be effective, prayer must be affirmative, but it is not enough merely to affirm the presence of God.  We must add to this realization the thought that Divine Intelligence is acting in and through us now.  Prayer is not a wishful or wistful wishing, nor is it an escape from objective reality.  To be lost merely in our prayers might terminate in an unconscious desire to escape the activities of life.  Therefore we affirm that Divine Intelligence not only knows what to do, it impels us to act on Its knowing.

I am handing my life and affairs over to Divine Intelligence, to the Power that knows how to do anything.  I am doing this in complete acceptance.  Gratefully, and with deep peace, with complete conviction, I am receiving the All-good into my experience.  I know there is nothing in me that can doubt either this Divine Goodness or the operation of Its Law in my affairs.  I believe that everything necessary to the fulfillment of every good desire is now in full operation, that all the circumstances in my life are tending to bring it about.

If there is anything I ought to do about this I shall receive the impression to act.  I shall receive guidance, and I shall be impelled to act intelligently.  Therefore, I have a complete sense of ease and assurance.  I look forward joyfully as I anticipate the good which is to come into my life.  I believe that all who are now praying with me will receive the answer to their desires from the same source.  My faith goes out to them even as their faith reaches back to me.  For I believe that out of the great Good in which we all live there will surely come to each one of us an answer to their particular need.

Taken from “365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

MAY 2   

TODAY I AM CONSCIOUS THAT MY BODY IS VITALIZED BY THE LIVING CURRENTS OF LIFE   

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up…   

James 5:15

When we say that the body is spiritual we are not denying the physical body.  The physical is included within the spiritual. If the Spirit, or Divine Intelligence, has seen fit to give us a physical body it would be absurd to think of the body as an illusion unworthy of our attention.  Rather, we should think of the body as a spiritual instrument now.  Every statement we make about the body, or belief we hold about it, which causes the mind to accept Spirit as the substance of the body, tends to heal.

My body is the temple of the living Spirit.  It is spiritual substance now.  Every part of my body is in harmony with the living Spirit within me.  The life of the Divine Spirit flows through every atom of my being, vitalizing, invigorating and renewing every particle of my physical body.  There is a pattern of perfection at the center of my being which is now operating through every organ, function, action and reaction.  My body is forever renewed by the Spirit.

I am now made vigorous and whole.  I possess the vitality of the Infinite.  I am strong and well.  The life of the Spirit is my life.  All Its strength is my strength.  Its power is my power.  I feel that my whole being is renewed, invigorated and made alive.  There is complete stillness and perfect peace at the center of my being as I wait on that Presence which makes all things perfect.  Every breath I draw is a breath of perfection, vitalizing, up-building and renewing every cell of my body.  I am born of the Spirit.  I am in the Spirit.  I am the Spirit made manifest.   

Taken from “365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

MAY 1        

TODAY I PERMIT THE POWER GREATER THAN I AM TO FLOW INTO NEWNESS OF LIFE THROUGH EVERY THOUGHT AND ACTION   

… I will lead them in paths that they have not known…  

Isaiah 42:16

Sometimes we are confronted with problems which we do not seem able to solve and right here is the place to prove to ourselves that there is an Intelligence which knows how to bring things to pass for us.  In doing this we should shut everything else out of the mind and rest quietly for a few moments while we confidently affirm the Divine Presence and actually believe that it is guiding us.  Now think of your problem and consciously take it into your thought, not as a problem, but as thought you were receiving the answer, as you meditate:

I am bringing all my problems to the altar of faith and I know that every true desire of my heart will be fulfilled through the power of love.  My first desire is that all my thoughts and all my acts shall give joy and gladness to everyone around me.  I wish the healing power of love to flow through me to everyone.

I believe that Divine Intelligence, which is the Mind of God, is guiding, guarding and directing my thoughts and acts.  I believe that God already knows the answer to this problem; therefore I am letting go of the problem as though it were difficult, and I am listening to the answer, as though it were sure.  The answer to this problem not only exists in the Mind of God; I affirm that it is in my mind now, that something in me does know what to do.  I joyfully accept Divine guidance.  I am open to new ideas, to new thoughts, new hopes and aspirations.  That which so recently seemed a problem, no longer exists for the Mind of God, which knows the answer, is quietly flowing through my thought and feeling.  A great peace and joy come over me as I accept this answer from the Giver of all life.

Taken from “365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

APRIL 30   

MY LIFE IS EASY FOR GOD IS RULING MY DAY

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.   

John 14:27

I have faith in the eternal goodness of God and of man.  I know that never again will fear distort my thinking, for I now am sure of my Divine Security.  The Lord is with me wheresoever I go.  Divine Intelligence guides me, whatsoever I do.  Divine Love flows through me to whomever I meet.  This is the truth of this day, and I am established in it.

I am unafraid and untroubled; because I know that I walk in Omnipresence, think with Omniscience and act with Omnipotence.  Order, harmony and peace abide in me and flow from me. New ideas come to me; old ideas are released from me.  Having no fear, I meet every situation with poise.  There is calm, beauty and joy on every hand.  God’s perfect world is my world, and God’s perfect people are my only contacts.  My life is easy for God is ruling my day.

Every hour of this day is alive with God.  His Mind never lets me go for even a split second.  Divine Guidance is forever in me, seeking to lead me into greater accomplishments.  Turning within to Spirit, all pressure is taken from me.  I no longer need to assert myself, for now the Truth flows out from me and Its Divine Assertion delivers me from all problems.

Peace fills my mind; love fills my heart and God is always where I am.  I discard doubt, for I know that the One Mind knows what to think in me, and what to produce through me.  Lovingly and trustingly, I let my God-Self express.  I declare the glad tidings of great joy to my fellowman.  I thank God for life, and I live this life fearlessly, wisely and lovingly.

Taken from “ 365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

APRIL 29   

I FULFILL MY DESTINY NOW   

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them   

John 13:17

I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God supports me in every right action.  I feel the sustaining power of Spirit flowing through me, and I act with authority.  I do those things which are pleasing to God and helpful to man.  The joy of true accomplishment is mine today.  I believe that God loves me, and His approval is all I need.  I am glad to be an outlet for the perfect action of a perfect Mind.

I have a purpose in living.  I was created to be a witness to the Truth, and I fulfill my destiny now.  Aware of God within me, aware of God around me, I act as a Son of God should act.  I do those things which are constructive and valuable.  I not only know the Truth, I act as the Truth.  I speak truth, think Truth and radiate Truth.  My world reacts to my consciousness and truth appears on all sides.  My way is easy and my problems are as nothing, for the Truth makes glad my way.

My destiny is to be a creative person in a universe which responds to my thought.  As a result of my conscious deliberations new and greater forms of good should and do appear.  My right thinking produces experiences that lift and heal my fellowman.  This I do, for it is my destiny to be a bringer of good tidings of great joy.

I delight in the magnificence of God’s universe.  I am glad that His Mind fashioned me out of Its own substance of good.  I realize that I must live in accordance with God and His perfect Law of mind action.  I do this, for it is the only permanent way of peace and true accomplishment.  

Taken from “ 365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

APRIL 28   

I GLORIFY GOD BY THINKING RIGHTLY AND LOVING GREATLY   

Now is the son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him   

John 13:31

The glory of the Lord is upon me, and I am a son of the Most High.  I glorify God by thinking rightly and loving greatly.  God glorifies me by becoming the thing I need at the instant I need it.  I know no delay; for God’s instantaneous results are assured.  My universe is redolent with beauty.  My life is filled with good.  My mind is saturated with Love and I see the face of God in every face I see.  In the One Mind I think, and in me the One Mind prevails.

There isn’t God and man, there is only God as man, and I am that man now.  God and I are one, and God is that one.  As I willingly let go of fear, faith appears.  As I willingly let go of the belief in duality, oneness appears.  As I realize that God is my Father and I am His son, the Law establishes me in perfect results. I declare that I am the perfect creation of an unlimited God, and act to prove this statement.

I glory in the expanding Ideas which God delivers to my consciousness.  He never fails to offer me something greater than that which has gone before.  His Omniscience is within me, and I regulate all my thinking to Its standards and Its processes.  Right thinking becomes natural to me, and right loving releases itself through me.  The Divine Release through me is normal and easy.

I begin this day with the feeling that it will be good.  God works in me and through me with ease.  I know that good has been accomplished yesterday, and that even greater things are before me today.  I give thanks for the good of my life, and I dedicate myself to the “greater works” which I shall do, and have started to do even today.

Taken from “ 365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

APRIL 27   

VICTORY FOR ME IS CERTAIN FOR GOD PERMEATES MY WORLD   

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.   

Matthew 6:13

Established in Truth, I see God everywhere.  Around me, within me, beneath me, above me – God is the reality of my being.  I live in a perfect Presence.  I am acted upon by a perfect Power.  I am living a life Divine.  The glory of the Lord is upon me, and I appreciate my blessings.  In my experience today the kingdom, the power and the glory of Truth are dominant.  Victory for me is certain, for God permeates my world.

This victory is easy, for within me there is a Divine Center that knows no evil, and cannot accept evil.  As I relax from all tension and let His Mind rule my thinking, I find that all things work together for good.  There is no battle to be fought, for Life moves through me with direction and purpose, and I let my good happen.

I speak with the voice of Truth, and my words establish good.  I hear only the Truth, and my mind is centered in peace.  I feel the encircling presence of Love.  I know that life is worthwhile, and I enjoy every moment of it.  Unceasing joy is my lot, for I am finding God everywhere.  My present world is heaven, and I live in it as a spiritual being.

I delight in finding good everywhere I look.  I enjoy the feeling of spiritual security.  I am free of fear, and strong in faith.  I know that only God acts in my life today.  Unto me is revealed the riches of the kingdom of heaven.  All power is given unto me to use rightly.  Glorious opportunities unfold before me.  The eternal Mind whispers in my ear the sweet Ideas of Truth.  I am free of the past, at peace in the present, and secure in the future.   

Taken from “ 365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker

APRIL 26   

PEACE IS MINE THIS DAY; FOR THERE IS NOTHING TO FIGHT: THERE IS ONLY GOD TO REALIZE   

Matthew 6:13

But deliver us from evil   

I am delivered from all my difficulties, for God in me is my deliverance.  Infinite Mind knows no restrictions, and I, as Its representative on earth, am now free, whole and at peace.  My consciousness controls my world, and I refuse to think evil.  I think Truth, and thus Truth controls my world.  Peace is mine this day, for in my thought there is nothing to fight, there is only God to realize.  I love to contemplate the things of the Spirit.

As I steadfastly think of God and His heaven, I forget that evil has ever been, is now, or ever could be.  I see that truth alone prevails, and Love alone heals.  I speak the Truth and am healed by Divine Love.  I am radiant with joy, for never again shall error fool me, nor human opinions ensnare me.  I am Spirit, and I think in Spiritual terms.  I am the expression of Divine Intelligence, and all my thinking is geared to this premise.

The unreality of evil is true, and I accept this.  I no longer seek it, or use it as an excuse for my own failure to see the Good.  God didn’t make evil, and I refuse to believe in it, or in any power ascribed to it.  The whole world is my friend.  Co-operation greets me wherever I go.  All people help me, and all situations bless me.  I am delivered from all negation.

The action of God taking place in my affairs today eliminates and prevents evil from appearing.  It has no power and no reality, and I see only God in myself and my affairs.  My salvation is of God, for His Mind is mine to use for the glory of good and the furtherance of peace.  I walk in wisdom, born of the Spirit, forevermore. 

Taken from “ 365 Days of Richer Living” by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker