The Power of Positive Thinking

Affirmations adapted from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s best-selling book

I Believe in Myself

1. I picture success. I have formulated and stamped indelibly on my mind a picture of myself succeeding. I always picture “success” no matter how badly things are going at the moment.
2. I think positive. I deliberately voice a positive thought to cancel out any negative thought that comes to mind concerning my personal powers. I have formed the habit of positive thinking.
3. I eliminate obstacles. I don’t build them up in my imagination. I see them for what they are; I don’t inflate them with fear thoughts. I study difficulties and deal with them efficiently to eliminate them.
4. I strive to be myself. I am not awestruck by other people. I don’t try to copy them. I remember that most people, despite their confident appearance and demeanor, are often just as doubtful of themselves and as scared as I am.
5. If God is for me, who can be against me? I repeat these dynamic words ten times a day.
6. I learn the origin of my self-doubt feelings. Self-knowledge leads to a cure. I have a competent counselor to help me understand why I do what I do.
7. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I practice this affirmation ten times a day. This statement is the most powerful antidote on earth to thoughts of inferiority.
8. I have made an estimate of my own ability, and raised it 10%. I am not egotistical; I have a healthy self-respect. I believe in my own God-released powers.
9. I place myself in God’s hands. To remind myself, I simply state, “I am in God’s hands.” I believe I am now receiving all the power I need.
10. God is always with me — absolutely nothing can defeat me!

I Believe in Prayer Power

1. I have quiet time each day. I set aside a few minutes every day when I don’t say anything. I simply practice thinking about God. This makes my mind spiritually receptive.
2. I pray orally or in writing using simple, natural words. I tell God anything that is on my mind. I talk to God in my own language.
3. I pray as I go about the business of the day.
4. I give thanks. I don’t always ask when I pray. Instead, I affirm that God’s blessings are being given. I spend most of my prayer time giving thanks.
5. I ask God to surround my loved ones with His love and protection.
6. I use only positive thoughts in prayer because only positive thoughts get results.
7. I always express a willingness to accept God’s will. I ask for what I want, but I’m willing to take what God gives me. It will be better than what I ask for.
8. I put everything in God’s hands. I ask for the ability to do my best. I confidently leave the results to God.
9. I forgive others in order to overcome resentment. I pray for people I don’t like and I forgive those who’ve mistreated me. I know that resentment is the number one blockade to achieving spiritual power.
10. I pray for other people. I know the more I pray for other people, especially those not connected with me, the more prayer results will come back to me.

~ Adapted from The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Copyright © 1952.