January 31 & February 7
“Speaking Truth with Power” The Many Ways of New Thought Affirmative Prayer And How to Use It More Effectively
Rev. David Owen Ritz
The New Thought Movement emerged in this country in the mid-nineteenth century with the discovery of the conscious and subconscious aspects of Mind, and the resulting realization that deeply-held beliefs and intentions have great influence over one’s personal experience of life. Thus, “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” became the lasting motto of the NT Movement.
It didn’t take the early NT Movement long to realize that prayer was the most powerful tool for uplifting and changing one’s consciousness. But what kind of prayer? The newly-discovered dynamics of Mind clearly indicated that certain methods of prayer should be more effective than others, simply because some ways of thinking are more helpful in building strong positive beliefs and intentions. The search for the best, highest and most effective form of prayer has been the driving energy of the movement ever since.
Many extraordinary NT teachers have helped to create Affirmative Prayer as we practice it today. In part one of this series, we will explore some of the greatest ideas about effective Affirmative Prayer that our movement has produced over the years. Each of them has something to teach us about our own practice of Affirmative Prayer. The following Sunday, we will answer the questions most frequently asked by NT students of Affirmative Prayer.
January 31: The Many Ways of Affirmative Prayer
There are many different ways to practice Affirmative Prayer:
• Affirming/Speaking Your Word
• Holding the High Watch/Knowing the Truth
• The Golden Key/The Mental Equivalent
• Scientific Prayer/Spiritual Mind Treatment
• Manifestation/Conscious Co-Creation
February 7: How to Make Your Prayer Practice More Effective
The answers to the most frequently asked questions about Affirmative Prayer:
• Can I pray for more than one thing at a time?
• How specific do I need to be?
• How often should I pray? When should I stop?
• Is it selfish to pray for small things or for myself?
• How do I do Affirmative Prayer for others?
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Who
We Are
&
What
We Believe |
Rev. David Owen Ritz
CPL Director & Sr. Minister |
The Center for Positive Living is a trans-denominational spiritual community established in 1982. Our membership is composed of individuals, couples and families from many different religious backgrounds. We are brought together by our shared quest for a practical and life-affirming spirituality.
We find such spirituality in a 150 year-old spiritual tradition and teaching known as New Thought. The New Thought movement is uniquely American in its innate optimism and practicality. New Thought offers a deep understanding of universal spiritual laws and principles, as well as concrete methodologies that anyone can use to create a more spiritual, abundant and healthy lifestyle.
New Thought teachings and principles permeate our modern spiritual thinking and psyche—even though relatively few people have heard about New Thought by name. The power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, visualization, affirmative prayer, Christ consciousness, spirit/mind/body connection—and even 12-step spiritual recovery programs—all these concepts have their genesis in New Thought.
The teachings of New Thought are founded upon the Principles of Universal Spirituality. These principles compose the common thread of Truth that run through the world’s greatest and oldest spiritual traditions—often referred to as the Perennial Philosophy because it has been revealed many times, in many places, by many spiritual teachers and masters.
There are four Principles of Universal Spirituality. Together, they constitute the framework of what we believe, teach and practice here at CPL:
We believe there is One Infinite Higher Power in this Universe, out of which everything is created, and for which every religion searches.
We believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience, made in the image and likeness of the Creator, sharing in Its’ Divine Nature.
We believe we can co-create our own individual experience of life through our conscious choice of thoughts, intentions, attitudes and beliefs.
We believe our purpose for being is to grow and evolve spiritually, and that a life lived with such an intention is an immeasurable blessing to all.
Center for Positive Living Mission Statement
To be an organization that promotes the spiritual awakening and transformation of individuals, our community and the world; to teach and promote a positive, healthy and spiritual approach to life based on, but not limited to, the principles of New Thought; and to bring people together in spiritual community to explore, share and celebrate the Spirit within.
CPL's Sunday Celebration
Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center,
709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sunday Celebration Time 10:15 AM
Sunday Youth Programs 10:15 AM
Nursery & Toddler Care available during service.
Class activities for 4-11 year olds.
CPL Administrative Office and Classroom
U.S. Garage Building, 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 210
Sarasota, FL 34236 Mon-Thurs. 9 AM-4:30 PM
Phone (941) 366-0275 Fax (941) 366-0263
E-Mail:
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CD recordings all Sunday Lessons
are available in the CPL bookstore immediately following the service.
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Gallery Bookstore
Every Sunday The CPL Gallery Bookstore features a diverse library of classic and popular New Thought and spiritual self-help books and CDs—and a smattering of hand-selected gifts and accessories.
• New Thought “must-reads” by Ernest Holmes, Emmett Fox, Eric Butterworth and others
• Rev. David’s most inspirational CD series on success, abundance, relationships and spiritual growth
• Creative Thought and Science of Mind magazines for daily and monthly inspiration
• Fine Indian Incense and incense burners for meditation, prayer and peaceful living
• CPL Heart Logo jewelry—pendant, earrings and lapel pins with silver finish
The Gallery Bookstore opens every Sunday at 10:00 AM. Come early and enjoy a cup of coffee while you browse before the Sunday Celebration!
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