I have been a positive psychology enthusiast and a curious learner of this field since 2009. I personally believe (and apparently positive psychology literature is researching these aspects as well) that spirituality helps in finding our meaning. One can really have an agnostic view about spirituality and religion as an anchor to channelize our thoughts and facilitate right action or karma.
As an agnostic who is constantly viewing this world as a temporary construct (or as Buddhism says that we are all temporary compounded beings), I am open to understanding the work of the sages, monks and religious preachers. In this worldview, I found the work and life of Jesus very fascinating. I recently read a Christian prayer, for financial abundance which was almost like a Pray Rain journal and it goes like this;
Dear Father God,
Thank you for everything. And thank you for being faithful and true to your promises (Number 23:19).
I am grateful for Jesus who died for my sake. To God be the glory.
Lord, I come today seeking a financial breakthrough and your supernatural blessing.
I come to you because you are Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), the God who provides. Therefore I know that you are God who will supply ALL my needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
I believe that you are going to give me the resources and the favour that I need. And so I declare that I have favour wherever I go! (Genesis 39:21)
God, you put these visions, desires, and goals in my heart [state what these are]. So, therefore, I declare in the name of Jesus that every single one of them will come to pass! (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
I know God that you are moving things and working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28).
God, create an opening of your abundant supernatural supply. Break the curse of poverty and lack.
Break open the gates of heaven and pour out an abundance of blessings onto me. Rebuke the devourer for my sake! (Malachi 3:10).
God may you take me from the land of loss to the land of increase and abundance (Joel 2:24-25).
And as your word promises may it increase in the multiples – x30, x60 x100 fold in the mighty name of Jesus (Matthew 13:8).
No subtraction!
Send divine connections, resources, and opportunities my way that merit me financially.
Give me the wisdom and drive to manage my money well and reap the financial increase.
Lord show me a new vision and a revelation for my finances.
Lord, I want to be blessed when I go out, and when I come in (Deuteronomy 28:6). I pray the blessings of the Lord will chase me down and overtake me (Deuteronomy 28:2).
Make me a blessing to others, God. Let others share in my abundance.
Bless me so I can give generously. So that people may know who God is through my giving in Jesus’s name (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Thank you for giving me the ability to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and I declare I am financially free (Deuteronomy 15:6 ). I am no longer a slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).
Thank you Lord, for my prayers have been answered.
In Jesus name – Amen.
Pray Rain Journal is something which people write in terms of what is their best possible future self. For example If I am a writer and I am struggling to publish my work, rather than pondering on why I am not getting a publisher, I may write, "Today, the first step of getting my book published is done. The publishing agent I met has approved my book and I am now writing it in full go". Even if the event has not happened, I am writing the future possible self in the present sense.
This Christian prayer above portrays that. I like Jesus for the simple reason that he was also an activist in his own right. He was fighting big moneylenders who were exploiting the common man and they detested it. His fight for people's financial freedom reflects in this prayer. In a way this prayer reflects true sentiments of Jesus and sounds like statements of positive affirmations, especially related to adding value to other people's lives (Bless me so I can give generously. So that people may know who God is through my giving in Jesus’s name). The prayer also mentions that we should aspire to be able to be free from the clutches of the lender. I guess the "lender" signifies anyone from who gives you salary, loan and even to the person who influences with his/her ideas. A sense of independent thought emerges when one gets this clarity. In a way Jesus is intentionally by your side, as a friendly sage who understands your financial challenges with empathy and compassion.
When I personally recite the prayer, it automatically makes me aware that my real goal is to help people become better and not just pray for financial freedom for my personal and selfish reasons. In positive psychology we talk about activating our ideal self and fostering positive relationships and I believe that this prayer is helpful to make us understand ourselves better. Whenever I recite this prayer, while playing soothing flute music, I find a deeper connection towards my purpose in life. And a conversation follows, with my ideal self which is not my name or the what work I do. Did I get financial freedom? No. This is a journey with highs and lows and with persistence, confidence and belief this would eventually happen. Amen!
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