I thought it was important to go back and reflect on some of the techniques that Murphy provides in this chapter.
One of the first things he mentions is, "The Science and Art of True Prayer." When I first read this I was interested to see "science of prayer". Typically in our fabricated world we do not see those two words together. Often times people view prayer as the absence of science. However, Murphy says that the term "science" means, "knowledge which is coordinated, arranged, and systematized." He says that the art is your process and the science is the response of the subconscious to your mental thought. He then quotes the following scripture: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7. This enforces that there is always a direct response from your subconscious based on your conscious thinking. Murphy points out though, that before you can receive there needs to be an image in your mind. You have to first reach a point in your thoughts where you have accepted it without any doubt or negativity- then it will be given to you. Again, our teacher says how this prayer should be accompanied with, " a feeling of joy and restfulness in foreseeing the certain accomplishment of your desire." Often times when we pray for something we really really want it comes with a feeling of anxiety. Please let me have it..oh please oh please...it's got to happen. That tone of desperation implies that you have some sort of doubt that it will not happen. If you already know you have it, if you are peaceful and certain about it, then it will come. Any amount of hesitation is enough to derail your subconscious. Remember, your subconscious brain merely carries out orders. It cannot decipher if you are joking or "mostly" believing. If you give it something with unwavering confidence and already have it set in your mind that it has already occurred- it will be yours. THIS takes practice. I love the way Murphy describes this as an art.
The chapter continues to provide several ways that you can enact this art of prayer.
The Visualization Technique:
"See it in your mind's eye as vividly as if it were alive". This technique is one that Dr. Murphy used himself. In his book he writes how before he would speak in front of an audience he would picture the audience as happy and inspired. Not only does he have a mental picture of this but he hears men and women saying things such as, "I am healed" and "I feel wonderful". Murphy practices this for about 10 minutes or more before releasing the image as he goes to speak. He said that almost every Sunday people would stop and say these things to him.
Mental Movie Method
When I saw the title of this technique I was a bit surprised as it is a term that I have personally used here on this blog. I am someone that constantly has a mental movie playing in my mind. Sometimes they are creative and tell a story, other times they are filled with fear and worry. Murphy mentions William James in this paragraph as he said, "Act as though I am, and I will be." This reminds me of another Pastor that I admire- Joel Osteen. He recently release a book and series called, "I am". Joel says that whatever words follow "I am.." you will become. When you say, "I am tired.." you will continue to be tired. However, you can flip these around and make positive declarations over yourself. "I am blessed...I am happy...I am healthy..I am at peace...". It is always encouraging to me when I see so many brilliant minds sharing the same truths. This mental movie method is another one that Murphy personally uses. He suggests before you use this to get into a drowsy, sleepy state which will help reduce your mental effort to the minimum. Next, picture exactly what you want...watch it happen, and act as though it were an objective reality. Murphy says that, "a mental picture held in the mind, backed by faith, will come to pass."
The "Thank You" Technique
In one of my previous posts I discussed how important it is to be grateful and to show gratitude. In this paragraph Murphy says, "the thankful heart is always close to the creative forces of the universe....". I believe that this method works because you are acting as though your desire has already occurred. For example, Murphy writes about a man who was struggling financially. The man often and continually said, "thank you father for my wealth". As he did this he was enforcing the idea that he was wealthy. Thank you for what I already have. Knock and you shall receive it. When you give thanks you eradicate doubt. You wouldn't say "thank you for the wonderful present" if you had any doubt that that you didn't receive one. Having a grateful heart can not only bring on new blessings and desires, but may us realize what we already do have. Take a moment to be joyful for something that is around you. Did you have a good dinner this evening? Do you have a cozy bed to sleep in tonight? Will you be waking up early tomorrow morning to go to work? How wonderful that you are employed! When you start showing more gratitude it produces more of those uplifting thoughts that we are trying to focus on.
Affirmation Method
This again goes with the idea that your subconscious mind is merely taking orders. Murphy again used this in his daily life, but gave the example of how it can be used for other people. When his sister was having surgery, although she was thousands of miles away, he engaged in praying affirmations over her. "To affirm is to state that it is so, and as you maintain this attitude of mind as true, regardless of all evidence to the contrary, you will receive an answer to your prayer."
This is a wonderful chapter that includes many more techniques. I love that Murphy provides several different pathways to help reach the end goal. Pick whatever works for you and bring it into your daily life. I will do the same. We will see miracles.
Other notable items from this chapter:
* Experiment scientifically until you personally prove that there is always a direct response from the infinite intelligence of your subconscious mind to your conscious thinking.
*Feel the joy and restfulness in foreseeing the certain accomplishment of your desire. Any mental picture, which you have in your mind, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
*Remember that the thankful heart is always close to the riches of the universe.
*Generate electronic waves of harmony, health, and peace by thinking of the love and the glory of God.
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