Affirming The Classics is a series of poems I have written that are based on some of the older, well-known inspirational poems and hymns. I am re-writing them to be full of positivity and to make them affirmations.
Although the originals are all wonderful poems, most tend to focus at least half of the poem on the negative aspects. At the time they were written this was suitable, but, nowadays we are much more aware of the importance of focusing on the positive to bring about the changes we desire in our lives.
Many people use affirmations (positive statements, in present tense and using I, my or we) to create a change in their consistent thoughts and beliefs.
The words ‘I Am’ are often used in my poems, because saying ‘I Am’ announces the presence of God within, and are therefore powerful words of creation for whatever completes the sentence.
For those who have awakened to the knowledge that we create our own reality and therefore want to focus on the positive, these new versions of the old classics are a way to proclaim our power of Divinity.
The poems below are listed alphabetically on the surnames of the original authors, with unknown sources at the bottom. The original poem is first with my versions underneath each one. On a couple of them I have written two poems, one staying closer to the original.
Affirming The Classics
Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
St Francis of Assisi
1181 – 1226
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in You
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy
O Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my Soul
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
It is in giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life
Affirming The Classics
I Am A Channel Of Your Peace
Trina Graves
1961
I Am a channel of Your Peace
I bring Your Love
I bring Your Pardon
I bring true Faith in You
I Am a channel of Your Peace
I bring Hope
I bring only Light
I always bring Joy
O Master, with You I seek..
To Console
To Understand
To Love with all my Soul
I Am a channel of Your Peace
I forgive and I am forgiven
I give to all and I receive
We are One in Eternal Life
18th January 2018
Affirming The Classics
I Am A Channel Of Your Love, Light & Peace
Trina Graves
1961
I Am a Channel of Your Peace.
I Am a Channel of Your Unconditional Love.
I Am a Channel of Your Forgiveness to All.
I Bring Constant and True Faith in You.
I Am a Channel of Your Light.
I Bring Confidence in Your Ever-Present Goodness.
My Light Shines United with Your Pure Radiance.
My Presence Uplifts with Our Combined Perpetual Joy.
I Acknowledge Oneness and Your Universal Laws..
As I Comfort Others, I Am Comforted.
When I Accept and Understand All people,
it is Reflected back to Me.
Unconditional Love is My Source, My Essence: The All-That-Is.
I Am a Channel of Your Love, Light and Peace.
In Oneness, I Forgive and I Am Forgiven.
Whatever I Give in Life, I Always Receive.
There is no end: Only Oneness In Eternal Love.
28th January 2019
Affirming The Classics
The Lord’s Prayer
Bible
Our Father
Who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy kingdom come
They will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Thine is the kingdom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever
Amen
Affirming The Classics
The Lord’s Prayer: In Oneness
Trina Graves
1961
Great Spirit, God, The All-That-Is,
Known by many names, all One Source
Uniting Heaven and Earth in Oneness.
I give thanks for Your everlasting abundance,
And for Your gift of freewill to choose my own way.
I open my heart to Your Omnipresence and guidance,
As I now choose Your path of:
Love, Light, Peace, Forgiveness and Joy.
I acknowledge my Soul is a spark of You.
I Am always in Your Kingdom.
I Am Your Love and Light,
United with Your Divine Power and Glory
In Eternal Oneness.
Amen
28th March 2019
Affirming The Classics
God Be In My Head
Book Of Hours
God Be In My Head
And In My Understanding
God Be In Mine Eyes
And In My Looking
God Be In My Mouth
And In My Speaking
God Be At Mine End
And At My Departing
Affirming The Classics
God Is In Me
Trina Graves
1961
God is in my head
And in my understanding
God is in my eyes
And in my looking
God is in my mouth
And in my speaking
God is in my heart
And in my thinking
God is United with me
In Eternal Oneness
11th February 2019
Affirming The Classics
Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
1872 – 1945
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others – even the dull and ignorant – they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is, many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with your God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your Soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Affirming The Classics
Desiderata Fulfilled
Trina Graves
1961
Wherever I Am, I remain calm and tranquil.
I Am always at peace in the silence of my heart.
I accept all people just as they are.
My Unconditional Love and Light flows in Oneness.
I speak my truth clearly with an open heart.
I listen attentively to all the people I meet…
We exchange our stories and always learn something from the experience.
My energy of Love and Light attracts only those on the same vibrational path.
I appreciate those I perceive as having more of whatever focus I Am placing…
Their Light shines before me, as I also shine my Light for others.
I enjoy my achievements and my plans.
I know everything always works out for my highest good.
I follow my passions, so I Am guided to live in abundance, truth and joy…
Working alongside others who walk the same path.
I thank and Bless all those who inspire, in all the diversities of life.
I Am a Divine Being of Love and Light
I see this in Everyone and Everything,
as Love is All-That-Is
I gracefully change through the moments, days and years.
I let go, and let God nurture me in strength of Spirit.
I Am of the Light, therefore darkness is an illusion.
We are all One, so loneliness is an illusion.
I Am kind, gentle and loving with myself, and all others.
I Am a child of the Divine Universe.
I Am as needed and precious as the trees on Earth and the Cosmos of stars.
The Universe continually unfolds and expands for the Highest Good of The-All.
I Am at peace with my own connection and perception of God.
I Am contented knowing others will always have their own perceptions.
I Am truly at peace in the Inner-Knowing and stillness of my Divine Soul.
My powerful thoughts and beliefs create my world.
I Am living in a beautiful world of Love, Light, Wonder and Miracles.
I Am perpetually happy, because no matter what:
ALL IS WELL.
2nd February 2019
Affirming The Classics
Breathe On Me Breath Of God
Edwin Hatch
1835 – 1889
Breathe on me, Breath of God
Fill me with life anew
That I may love what Thou dost love
And do what Thou wouldst do
Breathe on me, Breath of God
Until my heart is pure
Until my will is one with Thine
To do and to endure
Breathe on me, Breath of God
Till I am wholly Thine
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine
Breathe on me, Breath of God
So shall I never die
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity
Affirming The Classics
I Breathe The Breath Of God
Trina Graves
1961
I breathe the Breath Of God
I Am filled with life anew
I Am unconditional love
I do what God would do
I breathe the Breath Of God
My heart is open and pure
I am aligned with God
Now and forever more
I breathe the Breath Of God
I Am a spark of the Divine
This Earthly part of me
Glows as God’s Essence is mine
I breathe the Breath Of God
Through all eternity
I know I shall never die
My Soul is God as me
8th February 2019
Affirming The Classics
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
Samuel Longfellow
1819 – 1892
Holy Spirit, truth Divine
Dawn upon this Soul of mine
Word of God, and inward light
Wake my spirit, clear my sight
Holy Spirit, love Divine
Glow within this heart of mine
Kindle every high desire
Perish self in Thy pure fire
Holy Spirit, power Divine
Fill and nerve this will of mine
By Thee may I strongly live
Bravely bear, and nobly strive
Holy Spirit, right Divine
King with my conscience reign
Be my Lord, and I shall be
Firmly bound, for ever free
Holy Spirit, peace Divine
Still this restless heart of mine
Speak to calm this tossing sea
Stayed in Thy tranquility
Holy Spirit, joy Divine
Gladden Thou this heart of mine
In the desert ways I’ll sing
Spring, O Well, for ever spring
Affirming The Classics
Holy Spirit, All Divine
Trina Graves
1961
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
Is within this Soul of mine
Words of God and purest Light
Are my Spirit and my sight
Holy Spirit, Love Divine
Glows within this heart of mine
Shining out for all to see
God’s higher love flows through me
Holy Spirit, Power Divine
Fills and is a strength of mine
I Am powered by pure Light
All I need to do things right
Holy Spirit, Light Divine
Leads and is the Way of mine
God is present everywhere
In His Light my life I share
Holy Spirit, Peace Divine
Always is the core of mine
I Am serene and tranquil
Steadfast in God’s peace, so still
Holy Spirit, Joy Divine
Constant is the aim of mine
Beauty surrounds, life is fun
Sings my Soul, we are all One
12th March 2019
Affirming The Classics
Open My Eyes That I May See
Clara H. Scott & Frederick P. Morris
1841 – 1897 & not known
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free
(chorus – repeated after each verse)
Silently now I wait for Thee
Ready, my God, Thy will to see
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit Divine!
Open my ears that I may hear
Voice of truth Thou sendest clear
And while the wave-notes fall on my ear
Everything false will disappear
Open my mouth and let me bear
Tidings of mercy everywhere
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share
Open my mind, that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead
Affirming The Classics
My Eyes Are Open
Trina Graves
1961
My eyes are open, I now see
The Light of truth You share with me
I have in my hands the wonderful key
My heart is open, I Am set free
Silently now I commune with Thee
I Am ready my God, for all to see
My eyes are open, You are in me
Spirit Divine!
My ears are open, I now hear
Voices of truth, pure and clear
Divine Energy speaks in my ear
Messages of love, my way to steer
Silently now I commune with Thee
I Am ready my God, for all to see
My eyes are open, You are in me
Spirit Divine!
I speak my truth and I share
Peace and forgiveness everywhere
My heart is open, I truly care
My unconditional love I lay bare
Silently now I commune with Thee
I Am ready my God, for all to see
My eyes are open, You are in me
Spirit Divine!
My mind is open when I read
Of Your love, it plants a seed
Love and Light are all I need
To blossom, grow, and succeed
Silently now I commune with Thee
I Am ready my God, for all to see
My eyes are open, You are in me
Spirit Divine!
8th February 2019
Affirming The Classics
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Walter Chalmers Smith
1824 – 1908
Immortal, invisible, God only wise
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love
To all life Thou givest, to both great and small
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all
We blossom and flower as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight
All laud we would render, O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee
Immortal, invisible, God only wise
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise
Affirming The Classics
Immortal And Visible
Trina Graves
1961
Immortal and visible, God is all wise
In Light and accessible before my eyes
Most Blessed, most Glorious, in all of my days
I Am victorious as I follow His ways
Perpetual calmness and silence I find
Freewill acceptance, I’m given my own mind
I climb beautiful mountains high soaring above
And float on the clouds of His Goodness and Love
To all life God gives to both great and the small
In all life He lives, the true life of all
I blossom and flower as leaves on a tree
Eternal in Oneness as God is in me
My Father of Glory, Purity and Light
The Angels adore You, love shining so bright
All round me Your presence, I now clearly see
And Your Light is the Love around and in me
Immortal and visible, God is all wise
In Light and accessible before my eyes
Most Blessed, most Glorious, in all of my days
I Am victorious as I follow His ways
11th March 2019
Affirming The Classics:
Unknown Author
Affirming The Classics
Footprints In The Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of this life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it, “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
Although these two poems below are based on the original Footprints, the changes are from a visualization/vision I had in January 2019.
Affirming The Classics
Footprints Of Light
Trina Graves
1961
I walked with my friend Jesus beside the sea
Knowing that with me He would always be
I was on the damp, dense sand of the Earth
He on soft, light and golden, with me since birth
We turned to look at the footprints we’d made
But only one set could I see out there laid
Weaving in and out of the waves of the sea
At various depths were the footprints of me
I recalled and went to a time in my past
Heavy-hearted, my feet sinking fast
Into the sea of life I’d gone too deep
But near to me Jesus would always keep
Looking back at our footprints I now saw
Rays of Light I did not notice there before
Straight and True His prints were of the Light
A way to Be, His Loving Path shined so bright
Then I noticed the more delicate steps of mine
Were as I moved closer and I did combine
My own path with the Light of His Way
On soft, golden sands with Him I now stay
One more lesson His Footprints came to tell
Gratitude to Mother Earth and to keep her well
He left no imprint, only Blessings of Light
My Inner Being knows this vision to be right
6th February 2019
Affirming The Classics
My Footprints In The Sand
Trina Graves
1961
One night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along a beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that sometimes along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints.
Then I realized that it was when I moved closer to the Lord and our footsteps combined, that I was happier.
These were the times in my life I felt an abundance of love, gratitude and peace.
The Lord said to me:
“You are my beloved, precious child of the Light.
I Am with you now and forever, but you always have freewill to follow your own path.
My footprints are there beside you, to guide you, if you choose.
No matter what, I will always love you unconditionally.
6th February 2019
