“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 New International Version (NIV)

There is nothing bizarre or mysterious about the power of focused affirmative thought and prayer. It has been proven over and over again, both in Christianity and in the other major religions as well, to create tremendous results in individual lives. In fact if you read scripture you will see references to fervent focused prayer and meditation throughout. What do you think Jesus was doing when he went off for time alone?

God's help through the power of prayer may be petitioned for all variety of requests and issues. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Take for example Christianity’s most famous prayer as presented in the Gospel Matthew 6: 9-13 “The Lord's Prayer” (TLP). Of course someone can recite it but simply repeating it with out passion or purpose will most likely do no good. It is not a prayer we are only supposed to memorize and simply recite to God with no feeling or intent. It is rather a powerful example of how to pray and the things that should go into a prayer - worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. Pray for these kinds of things using the TLP or speak to God using your own words but with focus, passion, and positive affirmation.

Words become powerful when combined with constructive attitudes and affirmative prayer statements. By meditating on a biblical promise such as “The Lord’s Prayer” you open the door to success and good health.

If you are a Christian and scoffing at the healing power of TLP but believe in affirmations you are deluding yourself because affirmations are a part of the construct of TLP as you ask for Divine direction. It is an also powerful spiritual physical and psychological healing treatment precisely because it is a sequence of potent affirmative statements.

Think for a moment specifically what you are doing when reciting it. You are claiming for yourself the power, substance, guidance and goodness of God. In other words you are affirming your desire and requests for healing power by calling upon the Divine Intelligence to work in you and through you for good.

If you are not a Christian, or even a particularly religious person, simply taking a statement with good words and declaring it over and over with conviction gives you entrée into the power of your subconscious and the positive effects that may be had for the body and the mind. Now imagine how this force is multiplied when combined with focus, passion, and faith.

The Word of God or Bible is full of accounts describing the power of prayer in various situations overcoming enemies, conquering death, healing the sick, and defeating evil. Never underestimate prayer’s spiritual power because it draws on the infinitely powerful Creator of the universe! © Theodore Henderson THJ & Associates, LLC 2011 www.thewisdomcompass.com

Author's Bio: 

Theodore Henderson is a certified career advisor, author of both the book “The Wisdom Compass: Your 31 Day Journey to Wisdom Filled Living” www.thewisdomcompass.com and the audio series “The Intelligent Career Manager”, as well as a professional speaker and trainer.

During a career that spans more than twenty years, Theodore Henderson has excelled as an articulate, organized, and successful business manager, consultant, seminar leader, certified career advisor and public speaker. He has demonstrated a proven ability to build and maintain profitable, long-term relationships with a sophisticated client base. Whether in his keynote speeches, his published articles, or in his seminars, that passion is clearly demonstrated.

Henderson holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Information Systems. He is active in Rotary International, The National Speakers Association, as well as Toastmasters International, and has achieved the level of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).