Treatment and
Religious Science Practitioners
Spiritual Mind Treatment
Affirmative Prayer the Religious
Science Way
What is Spiritual Mind Treatment?
Spiritual Mind Treatment (simply called "treatment") is the form of
affirmative prayer used by Dr. Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science
and author of The Science of Mind and many other metaphysical works.
Holmes taught that there is a scientific reasoning underlying all prayer,
and that through this process of reasoning, we are treating our own mind
about the subject of our prayer.
Prayer, whatever form is used, does nothing to God. It actually
brings the one praying to a "realization" of God, a realization that all is
well and that he/she is not alone in dealing with the situation. This
realization in itself does the "healing." The use of treatment in our daily
lives is a very powerful way to change our thoughts, beliefs, and
experiences in a positive way.
Treatment (affirmative prayer) is about shifting our beliefs. The 5 steps
below have long been recognized as parts of the recipe for a change in
consciousness. Feel free to experiment, though, for the best way to "treat"
is the way that helps you feel connected with Spirit.
Step 1: Recognition
Begin by recognizing that God as the only creative power. Name as many
attributes of God that you can think of to begin "treating your mind" - a
reminder, if you will, that there is a power greater than you, and certainly
greater than any concerns you may have. Remember that you are not making
God do these things. You are simply reminding yourself that this is what God
is.
Step 2: Unification
It is easy to recognize that God is all these things. And it is often
more difficult to see your unity with God and know that you are those same
attributes. You are "made in the image and likeness of God." So whatever God
is, you also are. Like a wave on the ocean, you are one with God and cannot
be separated.
Step 3: Declaration/Realization
The first two steps are often compared to meditation. When you have
experienced a richness and a deepening as a result of the first two steps,
the third step is a declaration of the Truth you have realized. It is
always worded in the first person and in the present tense. You are not
asking for anything. You are declaring and affirming that it is already
done. If you are doing this treatment for someone else you insert their name
where appropriate.
Step 4: Thanksgiving
Knowing that it is done unto you as you believe, you express your
gratitude acknowledging that what desire is already yours.
Step 5: Release
Letting go. You now let go all concern about the outcome. You remain
peaceful as you keep a watchful eye for your desire showing up.
Example: Using the above example, a simple treatment for general
well-being might be:
"There is one Creative Intelligence in the Universe. I call it God. This
presence is all-knowing, abundant and everywhere present. I am one with this
presence and cannot be separated from it. So I claim greater peace, love,
joy, perfect health and total well-being. I give thanks and release this
treatment knowing that it is already done. And so it is."
There is a power in the universe greater than you, and you can use it.
Ernest Holmes