Our definition of prosperity is shaped by what we need and want. Prosperity can represent a tangible experience or an intangible state of being or a way of thinking. I offer two definitions for the meaning of prosperity: One reflects a Universal, changeless Truth; the other represents a tangible affirmative decree, filling an inner and outer need or want.

     The first definition for prosperity—Prosperity is an experience of oneness with the Divine Source of all good. It is a natural state of being and living in the flow of abundance. The Source and prosperity are inseparable and interchangeable, manifesting through us and in our lives as life, joy, peace, wholeness, success, inner fulfillment, friendship, wisdom, bliss, guidance, intuition, intelligence, love, invisible and visible substance, compassion, and grace. We may call God, prosperity; and prosperity, a Divine experience when all our needs are met or a need is met on time and in an incredible orderly way.         

    Perhaps the most profound explanation of prosperity is found in the book of Matthew, Chapter 6, verse 33, NRSV: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

    The tangible definition—a prosperity decree: I am living within my means, not spending more than the income at hand and paying for everything in full. Furthermore, I am free from money concerns, at peace and have a sense of being in a sacred relationship with the infinite Presence of unlimited creative Substance.

     I also envision the ‘overflowing cup,’ with enough money to pay all the household bills and living expenses, with money left over for savings, giving, vacations, and the realization of dreams; perhaps higher learning, time to write a book, or another cherished hankering. Moreover, I reiterate and affirm my freedom from financial concerns, serene with a feeling of living in relationship with the infinite Presence of inexhaustible creative Substance. I let these ideas translate into a passionate mode of living. Then prosperity ideas and practices become manifest.

     You are encouraged to write or journal about the meaning of prosperity for you, what your relationship is to prosperity, and what you want it to be.

     The author provides a definition of the word Substance taken from The Science of Mind; A Complete Course of Lessons in the Science of Mind and Spirit by Ernest S. Holmes: “The world is waking up to the fact that things are not at all what they appear to be; that matter and form are but the one substance appearing and disappearing; and that form is simply used to express something which is formless…”

    Do know you have within you the innate aptitude and ability to live free of money worries. Recall often how money is not what gives peace of mind and joyous living. Money is here today and gone tomorrow so the saying goes. Money is a tangible entity, an avenue and symbol of exchange. It is our thinking and belief about money which makes us paupers or money rich.

    The happy person feels a sense of deserving and worthiness about money amounts and financial matters in general. Know you are an offspring of the richest and original Source of all good including tangible money. Your prosperity Source is Universal Spirit also called God and you are an expression of abundance and well-being/wealth. Above all, do know you are so appreciated and loved now and eternally!