A few years ago, I started using a planner that suggested that I start each day with some affirmations. It even had a space for me to list these statements at the beginning of each monthly book. My first inclination was to skip this page, because visions of Saturday Night Live’s Stuart Smalley came to mind. If you aren’t familiar with this character, in the recurring skits, he was an awkward host of a self-help show called “Daily Affirmations with Stuart Smalley”. The skit always began with Smiley reciting platitudes like “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog gone it – people like me” while staring into a mirror. Look it up on YouTube – it’s pretty funny in an irreverent SNL way.
Back to the planner – I couldn’t leave that page blank (I blame my touch of OCD), so I tried to come up with affirmations that would lead me toward a stronger commitment to live like Jesus.
I don’t use the statements as straight out affirmations, because I don’t think a person can “positive think” themselves to a better life, but I do use them as prayer points, and I would like to share them with you.
There are sixteen statements. Some are general, others focus on the fruits of the Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list. Some of my statements may not apply to you, and you may have some ideas of which I have not thought. Please share your ideas in the comment section.
My affirmation/ prayer points are:
I do life with Jesus.
I seek God’s wisdom.
I am holy and set apart.
I am generous.
I am courageous.
I love God and others.
I respect others.
I have hope.
I have peace.
I have joy.
I am patient.
I am kind.
I am good.
I am faithful.
I am gentle.
I have self-control.
In the weeks to come, I hope to add devotionals (written and video) for each of these statements that will give you an idea of how I use them to focus my prayers. I can’t positive think my way to a more Christlike life, but I can pray to be changed so these statements become more and more descriptive of my life. In the meantime, start your own list of affirmation/ prayer points!