Seeing the Truth in Difficult Times

Often when people go in search of prayer, they are experiencing a challenge. A loss or diagnosis, something that can be scary or painful. It's the practitioners job to know the truth in all situations and pray from a place of knowing. And what happens when a practitioner struggles with a request? Here are their beautiful and inspiring answers.

Tell me about a time when you got a treatment request that was difficult.

I usually have very little difficulty finding the perfection and truth about a situation for someone else. It is easy for me to see an individual’s light in all things because I have no attachment to the outcome. I have no personal history or drama associated with the request, I only see Love. When I do run up against something that is a challenge, I find that it is something in me that needs attention. That is when I have to work on my consciousness FIRST before  I can treat for someone else. My house needs to be clear before I can help others. ~ Reverend Arpad Petress

*****

Someone came to me in great pain because her daughter was going through a huge health challenge.  The daughter did not believe in prayer and did not request prayer.  Since we are not allowed to pray for those who don't request it, I had to work with the mom on her own Truth.  It's often difficult to say to someone in great pain, "No, I cannot pray for that," yet I found success in revealing the perfect thing to help her find her peace.  ~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

Many years ago, when I was a newly licensed Practitioner, I had an after-service client for one of our Sunday abbreviated sessions. The client wanted his one surviving elderly parent to be agreeable to transitioning into an assisted-care living situation. When the client first voiced the prayer request, it was for a change in the parent’s attitude. Of course, as a Science of Mind Practitioner, I can only pray for the person in front of me. It is malpractice for me to pray for someone who has not asked for my prayer. 

As the client continued to describe the desired outcome, I realized that what he really wanted was to not feel guilty about needing to move his parent into assisted living and to experience a healing of their relationship, at least on his side. After working with that client I realized two things. One is that almost every client requesting prayer for someone else is really looking for healing of something in themselves. And two, almost every after-Sunday- service client probably needs more than a five-minute session. ~ Pam Rocke, RScP

*****

There was a time I had a young family ask me to pray for their husband and father to come home. It was during the holiday season. Not knowing this man, I knew I could only treat for Divine right action for him. My treatment for the entire family was for all of their hearts to be  filled with Love and God's presence along with divine right action in all of their activities. I learned the next month that he came home and they had a loving family holiday. ~ Kim Province, RScP

*****

The times when I find a treatment difficult is when I forget that it’s not up to me or when the outcome the person wants seems impossible to me. Or I get tangled up in wondering how I can convince them it can happen. The wonderful thing about our 5-step treatment format is that it starts with recognizing the truth about God and the truth about myself and the person asking for treatment. So I will spend longer on those two steps—until I remember there is an absolutely unlimited power and nothing can be difficult. My part is to know this truth and speak this truth and then let go and let the Power that is unlimited take over. It is only my mind and my misgivings or doubts that I need to treat. For the One Mind is all powerful. And I am so grateful that this is so. ~ Dr. Jeanne Hounshell, RScP

If you are dealing with a difficult situation, our practitioners we have a powerful group of practitioners who are always ready and willing to pray with you or for you. Submit a request and start healing.

Seeing with the Heart of a Practitioner

Sometimes I get caught up in my day-to-day activities and lose sight of the Perfection in my life. Disappointments, illness, and miscommunication can leave many of us feeling disconnected from our vision and from the Divine.

Having not taken the required training to be a licensed practitioner, I wondered how someone who has dedicated their life to affirmative prayer sees rightly even when things seem unsettled.

That brought me to the second question in our series featuring our Center's practitioners. If you missed the first question, you can find it by clicking HERE. Also, if after reading all the wisdom and insight from our practitioners you want some prayer support, you can find that by clicking Prayer Support.

How do you view life differently through the heart of a practitioner?

Since becoming  a practitioner, I have many ways of knowing and seeing the best possible outcome for others. People and situations I am asked to pray for are quickly resolved with the Light and Love of Spirit.

I imagine the Light of Divine Energy illuminating everyone and everything. ~~ Darrolyn Fennelly, RScP

*****

As I look at life through the eyes of practitioner, I find that I am more conscious, more aware, more available, more connected, more forgiving. I also find that I appear to be more approachable by folks who feel comfortable enough around me to talk through some of their issues. I don't necessarily do anything but listen, but they seem to feel I'm a safe place for them.

I was at a seminar and I realized that I bring my practitioner consciousness into life with me.... I don't really even need to try anymore.   That's cool! ~~ Dave Friedman, RScP

*****

Life is so incredibly good, you know? My life is good, the lives of people around me are good and I am grateful. And the more I reflect on how good life is, how grateful I am, life just gets better. Looking at life, and at people, through the eyes of a Practitioner…I see everyone and everything through the eyes of Love. I can disagree with someone on politics or social issues, but I know that we are both unique expressions of God – we are of the same Source, we are all One. Yes, sometimes I get off track. But, as a Practitioner, I have built-in tools that help me correct my course. ~~ Pam Rocke, RScP

*****

Since becoming a practitioner, I view life as a continuum of God's expression, knowing that whatever comes about, seemingly good or seemingly not, is simply a representation of what is being called to be revealed.  ~~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

As a practitioner of the  Science of Mind philosophy, I see my life and my world in a positive manner.  I know that there is a power for Good in the Universe and I use that Love and Power to see the world and all my affairs through that lens.  I know that God is Good and I am supported and loved by this Divine Energy!

And so it is!  ~~ Reverend Judee Chapman 

*****

As I journey through my practitioner training, and as I prepare to become a full-fledged practitioner, there are times that I question myself, especially when I do not have all the answers as to why Life is the way it is.  Since I know that I will aways be a student of SOM, regardless of credentials, my perception of Life may change form, but the essence remains the same.  I’ve come to know that there is only One Heart, One Mind, One Source, and this is a major comfort for me.  And the magnificent reality is that knowing this, really knowing this, has changed all my relationships, my view of life and the trajectory of my purpose here.  My heart is filled with Generosity and Love, as well as a delightful sense of expectancy that all is Good; and my desire to serve has exponentially increased.  Therefore, there is more compassion, joy, and beauty in my life.  Being a practitioner is an exemplary way to create and activate the power of Love and transformation in myself and to become a way-shower for others to move toward their own freedom and to experience their Light. ~~ Donna Wallace, Intern Practitioner

  

One of the Greatest Gifts I Can Give

This month's global vision theme is all about service and one group who generously serves our community is the Practitioners. We have 19 Practitioners and five Ministers who lovingly hold our Center and it's congregants in prayer throughout the year. It's a title that doesn't come without commitment, dedication and faith and I'm on a quest to find out what's behind the title. Who are the people that serve as Practitioners?

Practitioners must take two years of required Science of Mind courses followed by another two years of Practitioner training. In that time, participants take a deep personal look at their thoughts and beliefs and learn how to "see rightly" as Ernest Holmes would say. To become a licensed Practitioner, one must take a written and oral exam. 

Throughout the month, I will have a conversation with our Practitioners through a series of questions that delve deeper into what's behind being a Practitioner.  Already, just with the first question, I'm inspired; I hope they inspire you too.   

 First question: 

Why did you become a Practitioner and how has your Life changed?

"My decision to be a Practitioner came from a prayer demonstration for my perfect health in 1993.  In my first Science of Mind class,  SOM 101, my prayer partners  (five people)  prayed for the healing of my physical heart; a valve wasn't working correctly and the doctors said I needed surgery.  After 6 months of prayer, I was tested again and all damage in my heart was gone.  I knew then that I wanted to share this great teaching and affirmative prayer with others to assist them in making their life better!

My life is filled with joy and gratitude as I pray with others and see dynamic results of prayer.  Its such a wonderful feeling of Love. ~~ Reverend Judee Chapman

*****

I actually made my decision to become a Practitioner about a month into my second year of Practitioner training. I had started Practitioner classes because I wanted to continue my studies and deepen my own understanding and practice. At some point, I realized that I love serving, in fact much of my life centers around serving.

My life now is radically different. I enjoy much more abundance. I am more financially prosperous, I enjoy my family and friends at a deeper level and I have more confidence. I have stepped further and further into leadership. And in leadership, I can do my part in making this a better world for everyone. ~~ Pamela Rocke, RScP

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because I was so excited about how the Law worked.  I wanted to share the gift of Joy, Love, Wholeness, Peace, Prosperity, and Creativity with all those who could not see it in their own lives.  I knew it was possible for anyone who desired it and wanted to share with them the infinite possibilities. 

Since becoming a practitioner, I have lived a life of my dreams.  When I look back on how my life was before becoming a practitioner, I realize how much I have manifested by simply utilizing the practices of prayer and meditation as a lifestyle.  I can never go back and I would never want to. ~~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

My decision to become a practitioner was at one level the natural next step during the normal course of  my Science of Mind study. Also, I was becoming aware of the opportunity to help others by knowing and holding on to the Truth about them. An amazing gift for me to give.

I find myself living more on purpose and being more conscious, and I find myself honoring others in true Namaste fashion... 'The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.' 
~~ Dave Friedman, RScP

*****

For me it is a sacred calling.  My path to God was through service.  I have found no greater joy in life than watching someone step into their own power and experience their own creative process. To watch someone become a bigger, fuller, expanded version of who they truly are and what they came here for. 

Since I have become a Practitioner,  I have met the love of my life and we got married (we met in practitioner class).  My joy and serenity levels have tripled.   There is more love, more joy and more prosperity.  I have over 100 clients that I have had the privilege of serving and I have an awe inspired appreciation of Life. ~~ Kathy Story, RScP

*****

Almost from the time I first walked into a Church of Religious Science I wanted to have the consciousness of the practitioners I met. I saw in them, something I wanted. I quickly began classes and worked toward that goal. By the time I began practitioner training, my husband had Parkinson’s Disease and I needed all the tools I learned as I went through that awesome training. It was one of the most growth-filled times of my life.

Since becoming a practitioner, I have learned what a blessing it is to serve in this way. Having practitioners for prayer partners has brought some of the closest relationships I have ever had and I am learning to trust others to help me when I need it. I live in more peace than I ever could have without this learning and support, but most important of all has been the fellowship of the practitioners who have served with me in every Center I have belonged to. They are giving, loving and we are there for each other. This allows us to be there for others. It is a blessing that I am truly grateful for. ~~ Dr. Jeanne Hounshell

*****

I decided to become a licensed practitioner about 5 years ago after using the principles consciously since 1986.

My life has a much more purposeful direction since I started using SOM principles in all parts of my life.

Lots and lots of good abundance and gifts  in all areas of my life. Beautiful home, beautiful wife, boat, friends, vacations  great business.. I treat every morning before I get out of bed and it works!! ~~ Patrick Freeman, RScP

*****

When I was taking Practitioner Training Classes my wife said to me: " Now let me get this straight, the Catholic Church only needs  two miracles to be verified after a persons death and they are asking you to verify 3 miracles while you are alive"...without much hesitation I said "I think So, yes". ....That is the kind of conviction and belief I have in our teaching and the positive effects it has on my life. ~~ Reverend Arpad Petrass 

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because it was in harmony with what I was already doing in my profession and the knowledge and practices offered more tools to help my clients.  How it has changed my life is that i now have something to do that makes a difference when in the face of circumstances that seem difficult or even hopeless without this knowledge. I am able to generate a sense of trust and calm.

The decision to become a minister was similar. it was the next class and the next step. How that changed my life is understanding this teaching more completely and enjoying an even deeper connection, recognition of and trust in my source. As an aside, it sometimes startles me when I notice people at the Center seeing me as somehow different from them after I became a minister. ~~ Reverend Bruce Fredenburg, M.S., LMFT

*****

Deciding to become a practitioner was a natural progression. As I learned more about my connection with spirit, it became very easy and satisfying to be in prayer. Every time I pray for another I find myself being blessed as well. What has changed in my life is a total trust in the givingness of God. ~~ Fred Mercado, RScP

*****

I decided to become a Practitioner because I saw and felt the power of Spiritual Mind Treatment.   It was a different prayer than I had known growing up, and I wanted to understand it and be able to help people through powerful prayer. 

How it has changed my life to be a practitioner is I have discovered the joy of self-awareness, self-discovery and, instead of trying to be what I think the world wants, I have come to reveal and understand what is mine to give to the world. And, I have found the greatest gift I can give is to look for and see Truth for myself and others. ~~ Reverend Pattie Mercado

*****

I have been involved with Science of Mind in sporadic spurts, from 1996 through the present.  I was very much involved with Agape International for a couple of years in the late 90's, however, due to distance and work, the desire waned.  After changing my lifestyle as a career person and moving into a more unstructured one, I discovered that I had no clue how to move on. Changes were happening to and around me and I wasn't sure I could cope.  I ran into a dear friend in 2011 who was a CSL practitioner and I began having monthly sessions with her.  I initially did this because my beloved dog, Margo, was dying and I wanted to be there for her, but did not know how.  I admired my friend greatly and I spiritually flourished under her guidance. As a CSL Practitioner, she not only guides me, she demonstrates and lives her life as one with ease and grace.  In many ways, she supported me to help myself.  She introduced me to CSL's Online classes and in 2013 I signed up with the Foundations class.  Since being involved with CSL's Online schooling, it has been one of the most rewarding times in my life.  It became more and more evident, as I gained clarity and awareness as to who I am, that there was something larger than myself moving me forward to a greater good. As I continue on in my studies, my desire to serve has been strengthened and grown.  There is an affirmation stated in a book by Paul Selig (The Book of Knowing and Worth) that struck a cord in me and which made me realize how important it has always been for me to know myself. I have used it in contemplation on many occasions; 

"I know who I am, I know what I am, I know how I serve."

The Centers for Spiritual Living has been a direct channel for me to express myself, and I am able to embody that sense of surrender to the greater good that I have always wanted to experience.  The love and support experienced in this community of souls reinforces and reminds me of what it is to be alive and ready to serve. ~~ Donna Wallace, Practitioner Intern

The Power of Prayer by Ken Robuck

I am so blessed!  I was  exposed/introduced to Science of Mind 22 years ago. I knew it was a fit for me.  I took classes with Dr. Jacque and was definitely drawn to the principles and concept.   In fact for most of these 20+ years I have carried a personal treatment in my day-timer.

I've given affirmative prayers as an opening to Choir and other similar groups.   I understood the concept; I know it to be true.  But there was a missing link.

Then back in November of 2014, a life experience began.  As a part of my annual physical lab work indicated my PSA was definitely high the prostrate biopsy confirmed, there was a cancer issue.   I affirmed to myself this issue would be resolved with a positive outcome.  But there was still a missing element a feeling of incompleteness.

I contacted Rev. Judee Chapman and explained this situation and asked for her practitioner assistance.  We had two meeting just talking and sharing our backgrounds.  Surgery as a solution was obvious natural medical conditions attached. Judy explained how in her personal medical challenges how treatment provided the extra positive belief and support. 

Then the day before, (I think) Judee and I meet after a short talk, she held my hands and treated confirming that the surgery has the positive results, that all is well and good.  Acknowledging the professional quality of the hospital staff and all the friends that have and are providing encouragement and support this treatment completely encompassed the beginning and complete of the process.

It wasn't until that moment maybe half way through her treatment the feeling that an “ah-ha” cloaking warmth along with her words all came together.  It had meaning, direction and value that I cannot even begin to communicate.   To use an old cliche “the light came on”.

Judee was amazing; she came to the hospital sat with Barbara while I was in surgery, although I was out-of-it, offered another treatment.  I don’t remember it but now I am sure ”gratitude” was a focal element. 

Treatment now has a new deeper and special significant purpose.  Judee Chapman, you will always be a part of a gratitude statement in my daily treatment of thanks. For those who hear the words, repeat the words, know that one day, in one particular moment, the deep, deep, truth of a treatment's power will be felt, understood and give each moment thereafter new value.

To Judee Chapman and all those unnamed practioners, Thank you! Thank You!.

Sincerely, with humility and loving heart,

Ken Robuck

The Powerful Minister: Dr. Clara "Ma" Mosley

A Powerful Minister who speaks straight to Truth. 

On Saturday, July 19, 2014, I attended the Agape International Spiritual Center Practitioner Reunion.  This was a time where current Licensed Practitioners and previously Licensed Practitioners could come together and celebrate our place in this world.  It was a wonderful time seeing Soul Sisters and Brothers that I hadn't seen in a long time.  A beautiful guided meditation was facilitated by Suzi Kesler Lula, where she posed the question about where is our Yes! taking us now.  Being at the union flooded my senses with a remembrance of the unfoldment my life took by being a part of this magnificent center.  Though I do not physically visit the center as much as once did, my Soul was filled right back up by being in the presence of these powerful Practitioners.

One such powerful Practitioner, Dr. Clara "Ma" Mosley, was a mentor and, previously, my personal Practitioner.  She currently is the Senior Minister at the June Cobb Church in Los Angeles. Seeing her for the first time in many years brought tears to my eyes, for in her presence is a reminder that Magnificence is already within.   Dr. Clara is no-nonsense; she speaks straight to the Truth.  She doesn't sugar coat any attachments to reasons for one believing in their small self.  She says it like it is, and somehow she exudes a gentle, nurturing space while stating her claims, hence the "Ma."

Way back in the day, I had taken several classes with Dr. Clara.  I vividly remember listening to her speak in the den of her home in Silver Lake.  She spoke such deep and profound words of Wisdom; I had no idea what she was saying.  All I knew was that whatever she was saying, it was Good.  Somehow, I believed, through process of Osmosis, I would become just as deeply enlightened as she.  I realized that no amount of intellectual knowledge will ever get one to a space of Spiritual Wisdom without having a Soul Revelation. Our Souls must be communicated to in order to shift in levels of enlightenment.  In Dr. Clara's teaching, there are no levels, you are Truth right here and now, no doubting, no question, it just Is.  If we are thinking we have to peel back layers, we are thinking too small.  We are all we need to Be, Right Now. We don't have to wait for some day; we are It, Right Now!

When I proclaim Love for this wonderful woman, it is deeper than our typical definition of love.  The Love I feel for her is a Soul-to-Soul connection.  She has touched my life in such a profound way, and I am grateful for her Presence in this world.  The embrace I experienced with Dr. Clara at the Reunion was flooded with emotions.  For in that one, simple, prolonged embrace was a sense of being cared for, a sense of being Loved in a Soul-Filled, Truth-Filled way.  In that instance I couldn't help but be over-filled with emotion so much that I was proud to call her "my Ma."   I also am grateful for Agape International Spiritual Center, for without It, I would have not been introduced to Dr. Clara "Ma" Mosley.

Thank you Clara for Being a significant part of my life.

Instantly Answered Prayers are Possible!

Raise your hand if you believe in instantly answered prayers. Is your hand in the air? Mine is! To be honest, I didn't exactly believe it in my heart-of-hearts until this week. Let me clarify. I have enjoyed answered prayers often, but up until this week, I had not experienced an instant, right-in-the-moment-the prayer-is-spoken manifestation.

I pray daily, usually multiple times a day; little prayers and big prayers, but, occasionally, I'm so wrapped up in my doubts or justifications or negative beliefs, that I can't truly embody the truth for myself and I need to see a practitioner. A practitioner is someone so clear in his or her communion with Spirit that he or she can know the truth for you even when you can't know it for yourself.

So, back to my instant manifestation.

This past Sunday I walked into the Center with some anxiety about a photography session scheduled that day. I told the practitioner about the anxiety and the whole story as to why I was feeling anxious. I also told her that I knew I wanted to be confident, calm and peaceful during my photo shoot. Smiling, she said, "Ok."  I expected her to say more but she just listened and each time I said what I wanted she just said, "Ok." When I was done, we closed our eyes and my practitioner prayed out loud.

As she spoke, the feeling in my body changed. Instantly, I felt more grounded and centered. I didn't just think "confident" any more, I embodied confidence. My breathing became deep and smooth. When she was done, I knew it was done. My request instantly set in motion.

I felt wonderful all day. When I got to my photo session, the beach was crowded and parking was full, but I stayed calm and confident. Anytime a challenge came up, I responded easily with wisdom. When I got home, I uploaded my photos and was overwhelmed by the abundance of beautiful, well-focused, nicely composed, perfectly lit photos.

My request demonstrated and my life changed forever!

One thing I love about this teaching is that Ernest Holmes basically said (and I'm paraphrasing here) try it, test it, see it for yourself. We can study all about principle and prayer, but the real way to know it's power is to experience it for yourself.

Do you want to instantly release whatever is holding you back? Do you want to live your dream now? Come visit us at the Center and see a practitioner! Or visit our website (www.cslcv.org) for a list of practitioners and email one today!