It was the Christmas season in 1940. World War II was raging in Europe and James Dillet Freeman was asked to write an affirmative prayer for the Christmas service for Silent Unity workers. He wrote the first rendition of what is now known around the world as the Prayer for Protection. That first draft went like this: “The light of Christ directs me; The love of Christ enfolds me; The power of Christ protects me; The presence of Christ upholds me.” James was later inspired to add a fifth line to the poem and change Christ to God to make it more universal and remove the rhyme. In 1943 a reprint of the prayer went like this: “The Light of God surrounds us; The love of God enfolds us; The power of God protects us and the presence of God watches over us; Wherever we are, God Is.” It is possible that no prayer Unity has ever printed has reached so many people that have no connection with Unity. On the first flight to the moon, on Apollo 11, astronaut Col. James Aldrin carried Unity’s Prayer for Protection with him. He did not know James D. Freeman or Unity. At Unity we honor and respect all other religions and feel kinship with all of humankind. We are One in God.
James Dillet Freeman, Internationally acclaimed poet, author, lecturer and Director of Unity Ministers (1912-2003). We love you, we bless you and we appreciate you.
Sunday Services are suspended the month of August; they will resume September 7.
Sunday Celebration: Our church services are held in the Arts and Crafts room of the Sun Lakes Country Club on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Reverend Debbi Brown is our Minister. Coffee and fellowship follow the service.
Class: “Why’s and Ways of Meditation” led by Richard Yocum every Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-noon in room A-3 at Cottonwood Country Club is ongoing through October. This class will explore a different style of meditation each week. Expect to increase your self-awareness, develop inner peace and expansively experience different states of consciousness.
Prayer Team: Anyone who would like to be supported by the prayer team with affirmative prayer can contact Rev. Debbi at 602-309-1818.
Reiki Circle: This group meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in Room A-2 of Cottonwood Country Club. For information call Lois Valleau at 480-883-6699; cell 415-760-3585.
Unity Website: Unityofsunlakes.org. This is so amazing! It is complete with Debbi’s lessons, meditations, on-line Daily Word and the monthly calendar of events, stories and even music! Well done, Julia Norton. We love you and we thank you.
Opportunity to Serve: Neighbors Who Care would like volunteers; please phone 480-895-7133.