Prayer is the heartbeat of Unity. From the earliest days of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, prayer has been the cornerstone of spiritual practice, community life, and personal transformation within the Unity movement. In many Unity churches today, one of the most visible and beloved expressions of that tradition is the ministry of Prayer Chaplains. These dedicated spiritual leaders embody Unity’s vision of prayer as a living, practical, and transformative force, and they serve as bridges between individual seekers, the community, and the larger Unity world.
What Is a Prayer Chaplain?
While a Prayer Chaplain is not the same as an ordained minister, their service is deeply spiritual. A Prayer Chaplain is a lay leader who answers a call to hold sacred space, listen compassionately, and pray affirmatively with others. They are trained in the art of affirmative prayer, Unity’s approach to prayer that affirms Divine truth rather than beseeching or pleading with God. Their ministry revolves around presence rather than problem-solving.
The essence of the role can be summed up in four core practices:
- Holding sacred space – creating an atmosphere where the presence of God is felt and honored.
- Listening with compassion – offering non-judgmental attention and empathy.
- Praying in the affirmative – affirming spiritual truth and Divine presence rather than focusing on lack or limitation.
- Maintaining confidentiality – honoring the sacred trust of those who share their hearts.
- Request prayer online here.
Prayer Chaplains are not counselors, therapists, or advice-givers. They do not try to “fix” anyone’s situation. Instead, they serve as loving reminders that each person already carries the presence of God within them, and that Divine wisdom, strength, and peace are always available.
Prayer Chaplains in the Life of Unity North Atlanta
At Unity North, Prayer Chaplains are a steady and loving presence in the life of our community. On Sundays, you’ll see them at every service, often near the back of the Sanctuary afterward, ready to pray one-on-one with anyone who desires support. On Wednesday evenings, you may find them in the Peace Chapel, holding sacred space for prayer. Some chaplains reach out by phone to check in on members, while others offer prayer at our weekly meditations, during hospital visits, or at special ceremonies throughout the year. Wherever they serve, our Prayer Chaplains help weave prayer into the fabric of Unity North, keeping it at the heart of everything we do.
The Transformative Impact
The beauty of the Prayer Chaplain is that it transforms not only those who receive prayer but also those who serve. Many chaplains report that their own spiritual lives deepen profoundly through the discipline of daily prayer and the commitment to hold space. They grow in compassion, humility, and Oneness.
For community members, the impact is equally profound. To have someone look into your eyes, hold your hand, and affirm your Divine wholeness can be a healing experience in itself. In a world where loneliness and disconnection are common, Prayer Chaplains embody Unity’s vision of a loving, supportive, spiritually awake community.
The presence of Prayer Chaplains reminds us that Unity is more than a set of teachings; it is a living spiritual culture where people are seen, heard, loved, and held in prayerful awareness. In this way, our chaplains carry forward the Fillmores’ vision of Unity as a movement grounded in practical spirituality, compassionate service, and the transforming power of prayer. They are a tangible expression of Unity North Atlanta’s mission: “We are a loving community of spiritual seekers who celebrate diversity, acceptance, and Oneness.”