Power of Prayer and Positive Intention – Ideals of Ma’at

As we nurture our spirits, let us renew the power of prayer and positive intention that unites our global community and awakens our hearts and souls. See the full series of posts here.

The power of positive intention is ancient! Ideals that unite humanity are ancient!

Ma’at, emerging over 4000 years ago, refers to the ancient Egyptian concepts of truth balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice – and to a goddess who personified these concepts. The ancient Egyptians had a deep conviction of an underlying holiness and unity within the universe. To the Egyptian mind, Ma’at bound all things together in an indestructible unity: the universe, the natural world, the state, and the individual were all seen as parts of the wider order generated by Ma’at.

Ma’at is personified as Ma’at, the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Truth, Justice and Order. She is usually depicted as a winged woman. The Goddess is often shown with an ostrich feather on her head, or with a white ostrich feather. The feather of Ma’at was an important part of the weighing of the heart of the soul ceremony in the afterlife. This is where the heart of the soul of the dead person was weighed in the scales of justice against the feather.These 42 ideals of Ma’at speak to us today both personally and to our collective human potential.

A Positive Confession for the Present Day from the 42 Ideals of Ma`at

1. I honor virtue
2. I benefit with gratitude
3. I am peaceful
4. I respect the property of others
5. I affirm that all life is sacred
6. I give offerings that are genuine
7. I live in truth
8. I regard all altars with respect
9. I speak with sincerity
10. I consume only my fair share
11. I offer words of good intent
12. I relate in peace
13. I honor animals with reverence
14. I can be trusted
15. I care for the earth
16. I keep my own council
17. I speak positively of others
18. I remain in balance with my emotions
19. I am trustful in my relationships
20. I hold purity in high esteem
21. I spread joy
22. I do the best I can
23. I communicate with compassion
24. I listen to opposing opinions
25. I create harmony
26. I invoke laughter
27. I am open to love in various forms
28. I am forgiving
29. I am kind
30. I act respectfully
31. I am accepting
32. I follow my inner guidance
33. I converse with awareness
34. I do good
35. I give blessings
36. I keep the waters pure
37. I speak with good intent
38. I praise the Goddess and the God
39. I am humble
40. I achieve with integrity
41. I advance through my own abilities
42. I embrace the All