• The Structure of the Day
• 1. Give the Day to God
• 2. Morning — Begin the Day Right
• Quiet Time as Soon as Possible After Waking
• Consecrate the Day
• Morning Prayer for Miracles
• Ask for Guidance
• Way of Mastery — Arise as an Enlightened Creator
• 3. Abiding as Christ — Establish the Identity You Will Live From
• 4. The Workbook Lesson — Carry One Thought Through the Day
• 5. Hourly Remembrance — Return Again and Again
• Way of Mastery — Hourly Creator-Awareness
• 6. Prayer
• Remembering the Father and His Presence
• 7. Decision Making — The Rules for Decision
• Rule 1
• Rule 2
• When You Have Already Decided
• The Restorative Sequence
• 8. Asking for Guidance — Do Not Solve the Day Alone
• Way of Mastery — Ask the Father
• 9. Relinquish Judgment
• 10. Vigilance
• 11. Every Encounter Is a Holy Encounter
• 12. Forgiveness — The Main Practice of the Day
• 13. Response to Temptation
• When Fear Threatens Peace
• When You Cannot Release It Yourself
• When Frantic Doing Takes Over
• When You Are Confused About Meaning
• When a Problem Appears
• When Attack Thoughts Arise
• When Discouraged About Progress
• Offer Everything You Do Not Want to the Holy Spirit
• Let Love Be the Only Answer
• 14. Use Time for Miracles
• Know and Fulfill Your Special Function
• 15. Give Miracles
• Way of Mastery — Extend the Treasure
• Begin Your Ministry Now
• 16. Speech — Listen, Hear, Speak
• 17. The Body and Ordinary Activity
• Way of Mastery — Make the Ordinary Sacred
• 18. The Ten Characteristics of a Teacher of God
• I. Trust
• II. Honesty
• III. Tolerance
• IV. Gentleness
• V. Joy
• VI. Defenselessness
• VII. Generosity
• VIII. Patience
• IX. Faithfulness
• X. Open-Mindedness
• 19. Ordinary Events Are the Curriculum
• 20. When You Forget — Begin Again
• 21. Evening — Return the Day to God
• Way of Mastery — Release and Bless
• 22. A Compact Daily Rule
• On Waking
• Through the Day
• When Upset
• Each Hour
• At Night
• 23. Christ Path Mantras — Prayers, Keys, and Reminders
• Identity
• Kingdom of Heaven
• Surrender
• Guidance
• Forgiveness
• Miracles and Healing
• Peace
• Vision
• The Christ and the Holy Instant
• Treasure
• Daily Axioms
• The Lord’s Prayer
• The Deepest Daily Orientation
• Primary ACIM Source Map
• Way of Mastery / Related Jeshua Source Map

How does one actually give the whole day to God and live it as a teacher of God, miracle worker, disciple of Christ, and learner of forgiveness?

“He keeps in constant contact with the Answer.” (ACIM, CE M-16.1)

“There is no substitute for the will of God. In simple statement, it is to this fact that the teacher of God devotes his day.” (ACIM, CE M-16.10)

“Each day should be devoted to miracles.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“Teach only love, for that is what you are.” (ACIM, CE T-6.I.20:2)

“Be vigilant only for God and His Kingdom.” (ACIM, CE T-6.VII.C.3:8)

The Structure of the Day

Wake → remember God → quiet time → give the day to God → receive the Workbook lesson → ask for guidance → abide as Christ → enter the day → hourly remembrance → holy encounters → forgiveness → response to temptation → miracles and service → continual listening → evening quiet → release and bless the day → sleep in God

Three recurring habits summarize much of the practical curriculum:

Response to temptation → asking for guidance → giving miracles

“This course is always practical.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4)

“This course is a guide to behavior. Being a very direct and a very simple learning situation, it literally provides the Guide Who tells you what to do. If you do it, you will see that it works.” (ACIM, CE T-9.V.12:1–4)

1. Give the Day to God

The Manual asks directly: How should the teacher of God spend his day?

“For the advanced teacher of God, then, this question is superfluous. It has been asked and answered, and he keeps in constant contact with the Answer. He is set, and sees the road on which he walks stretch surely and smoothly before him.” (ACIM, CE M-16.1)

For those still learning, structure is useful—but only as a means toward continuous communion.

“But what about those who have not reached his certainty? They are not yet ready for such lack of structuring on their own part. What must they do to learn to give the day to God? There are some general rules which do apply, although each one must use them as best he can in his own way.” (ACIM, CE M-16.2)

“Routines as such are dangerous, because they easily become gods in their own right, threatening the very goals for which they were set up.” (ACIM, CE M-16.2)

“Broadly speaking, then, it can be said that it is well to start the day right. It is always possible to begin again should the day begin with error, yet there are obvious advantages in terms of saving time if the need for this can be avoided.” (ACIM, CE M-16.2:6–7)

“There is one thought in particular that should be remembered throughout the day. It is a thought of pure joy, a thought of peace, a thought of limitless release—limitless because all things are freed within it.… Your defenses will not work, but you are not in danger. You have no need of them. Recognize this and they will disappear. And only then will you accept your real protection.” (ACIM, CE M-16.6:1–14)

“How simply and how easily does time slip by for the teacher of God who has accepted his protection! All that he did before in the name of safety no longer interests him, for he is safe, and knows it to be so. He has a Guide Who will not fail. He need make no distinctions among the problems he perceives, for He to Whom he turns with all of them recognizes no order of difficulty in resolving them.” (ACIM, CE M-16.7:1–4)

“Yet will there be temptation along the way the teacher of God has yet to travel, and he has need of reminding himself throughout the day of his protection.… He must be sure success is not of him, but will be given him at any time, in any place and circumstance he needs it.” (ACIM, CE M-16.8:1–4)

“There is no substitute for the will of God. In simple statement, it is to this fact that the teacher of God devotes his day.… Perhaps he needs to remember ‘God is with me. I cannot be deceived.’” (ACIM, CE M-16.10:1–5)

The aim of the discipline is therefore not perfect routine, but constant contact with the Answer.

2. Morning — Begin the Day Right

Quiet Time as Soon as Possible After Waking

“At the outset, we can safely say that time devoted to starting the day right does indeed save time.” (ACIM, CE M-16.3:4)

“This course is always practical. It may be that the teacher of God is not in a situation which fosters quiet thought as he awakes. If this is so, let him but remember that he chooses to spend time with God as soon as possible, and let him do so.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4:1–3)

“Duration is not the major concern. One can easily sit still an hour with closed eyes and accomplish nothing. One can as easily give God only an instant and in that instant join with Him completely.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4:4–6)

“As soon as possible after waking, take your quiet time, continuing a minute or two after you begin to find it difficult. You may find the difficulty will diminish and drop away. If not, that is the time to stop.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4:7–9)

Consecrate the Day

“Today I will make no decisions by myself.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.3:2)

“The proper set, adopted consciously each time you wake, will put you well ahead.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.2:5)

“Think about the kind of day you want, and tell yourself there is a way in which this very day can happen just like that. Then try again to have the day you want.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.2:8–9)

Morning Prayer for Miracles

“Help me to perform whatever miracles You want of me today.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“Each day should be devoted to miracles.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

Ask for Guidance

“What would You have me do? Where would You have me go? What would You have me say, and to whom?” (ACIM, CE W-71.9)

“Let me be still and listen to the truth.” (ACIM, CE W-106)

“Let mine own feeble voice be still, and let me hear the mighty Voice of truth itself assure me that I am God’s perfect Son.” (ACIM, CE W-118)

“This day my mind is quiet, to receive the thoughts You offer me.” (ACIM, CE W-291)

Way of Mastery — Arise as an Enlightened Creator

Arising in the Morning as an Enlightened Creator

“The mind of an enlightened creator does not arise in the morning and say: How can I survive yet another day in this world? In the morning, when an enlightened creator arises, the question is: How, this day, might I extend the treasure of the good, the holy and the beautiful?” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“The mind of an enlightened creator knows that of themselves they do nothing. But in each moment of decision, they can allow the great power and mystery of Love to direct their course.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“They can begin to utilize time to refine their ability to hear only the Voice for Love—moment by moment, breath by breath, day by day, until time is translated into eternity.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

3. Abiding as Christ — Establish the Identity You Will Live From

This Way of Mastery practice fits naturally immediately after the Course’s morning quiet.

Abiding as Christ: Practice

“Five minutes in which you choose to sit as Christ in the midst of your kingdom, your creation, and you decide which thoughts you will hold and, therefore, determine how you see all that is in the field of your awareness.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“Give yourself five minutes to choose, to practice choosing, how you will experience sitting in a chair, with a mind full of worry, or a mind full of peace?” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart)

“You might even want to play with what it would feel like to sit in a chair as a Christ. What would that feel like?” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart)

“Here, I am free. Heaven is now. The past is passed away, and I choose anew. And, this day, I commit myself to teaching only Love by sharing only loving thoughts.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“This one day, I will look upon each one that comes into my experience and I will first breathe deeply the presence of the Holy Spirit.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“All minds are joined, and I see not a stranger before me, but one who walks as I walk, who feels as I feel, who longs as I long, who is humbled as I am humbled, who prays for peace as I have prayed. And therefore, I will give them what they seek. And in that giving, I receive it.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

The Course gives the same identity-practice in its own language:

“I am as God created me.” (ACIM, CE W-94)

“I am one Self, united with my Creator.” (ACIM, CE W-95)

“God goes with me wherever I go.” (ACIM, CE W-41)

“I rest in God today, and let Him work in me and through me while I rest in Him in quiet and in perfect certainty.” (ACIM, CE W-120)

4. The Workbook Lesson — Carry One Thought Through the Day

The Workbook’s practice is not limited to a morning meditation. Its thought is carried into ordinary situations until it becomes the mind’s habitual response.

“This is our first attempt to introduce structure. Do not misconstrue it as an effort to exert force or pressure. You want salvation. You want happiness. You want peace. You do not have them now because your mind is totally undisciplined.” (ACIM, CE W-20)

“You have seen the extent of your lack of mental discipline and of your need for mind training.” (ACIM, CE W-95)

“Five minutes now becomes the least we give to preparation for a day in which salvation is the only goal we have. Ten would be better; fifteen better still.” (ACIM, CE W-153)

“Is it not worth five minutes of your time each hour to be able to accept the happiness which God has given you? Is it not worth five minutes hourly to recognize your special function here?” (ACIM, CE W-98)

“God goes with me wherever I go.” (ACIM, CE W-41)

“Repeat today’s idea very slowly, preferably with the eyes closed. Concentrate on the holiness that the idea implies about you, on the unfailing companionship that is yours, on the complete protection that surrounds you.” (ACIM, CE W-41)

“My mind holds only what I think with God.” (ACIM, CE W-Re.4.In.2:3)

“Begin each day with time devoted to the preparation of your mind to learn what each idea you will review that day can offer you in freedom and in peace. Open your mind and clear it of all thoughts that would deceive, and let this thought alone engage it fully and remove the rest: My mind holds only what I think with God. Five minutes with this thought will be enough to set the day along the lines which God appointed, and to place His Mind in charge of all the thoughts you will receive that day. They will not come from you alone, for they will all be shared with Him. And so each one will bring the message of His love to you, returning messages of yours to Him.” (ACIM, CE W-Re.4.In.5–6)

The practice is increasingly meant to become spontaneous and continuous.

5. Hourly Remembrance — Return Again and Again

“At times, perhaps, a minute, even less, will be the most that we can offer as the hour strikes.” (ACIM, CE W-153)

“Sometimes we will forget. At other times the business of the world will close on us, and we will be unable to withdraw a little while and turn our thoughts to God.” (ACIM, CE W-153)

“Yet when we can, we will keep our trust as ministers of God in hourly remembrance of our mission and His Love.” (ACIM, CE W-153)

“We will quietly sit by and wait on Him and listen to His Voice and learn what He would have us do the hour that is yet to come, while thanking Him for all the gifts He gave us in the one gone by.” (ACIM, CE W-153)

“God is with me. I cannot be deceived.” (ACIM, CE M-16.10)

Way of Mastery — Hourly Creator-Awareness

“Set the intention so that in each hour of your day, for three to five minutes, you practice bringing this quality of awareness to exactly whatever you are experiencing.” (Way of Mastery, Abiding as Christ practice)

“For five minutes every hour, be you, therefore, as you are created to be—a creator.” (Way of Mastery, Abiding as Christ practice)

6. Prayer

“Prayer is the greatest gift with which God blessed His Son at his creation. It was then what it is to become; the single voice Creator and creation share; the song the Son sings to the Father, Who returns the thanks it offers Him unto the Son. Endless the harmony, and endless, too, the joyous concord of the Love They give forever to Each Other.” (ACIM, The Song of Prayer, S-1.in.1:1–3)

“Prayer is a way offered by the Holy Spirit to reach God. It is not merely a question or an entreaty. It cannot succeed until you realize that it asks for nothing.… Ask, rather, to receive what is already given; to accept what is already there.” (ACIM, The Song of Prayer, S-1.I.1:1–7)

“The secret of true prayer is to forget the things you think you need. To ask for the specific is much the same as to look on sin and then forgive it. Also in the same way, in prayer you overlook your specific needs as you see them, and let them go into God’s Hands. There they become your gifts to Him, for they tell Him that you would have no gods before Him; no Love but His.” (ACIM, The Song of Prayer, S-1.I.4:1–4)

“Prayer is a stepping aside; a letting go, a quiet time of listening and loving. It should not be confused with supplication of any kind, because it is a way of remembering your holiness. Why should holiness entreat, being fully entitled to everything Love has to offer? And it is to Love you go in prayer. Prayer is an offering; a giving up of yourself to be at one with Love. There is nothing to ask because there is nothing left to want. That nothingness becomes the altar of God. It disappears in Him.” (ACIM, The Song of Prayer, S-1.I.5:1–8)

“We go together, you and I.” (ACIM, S-1.IV.1:8)

“Praying for others, if rightly understood, becomes a means for lifting your projections of guilt from your brother, and enabling you to recognize it is not he who is hurting you. The poisonous thought that he is your enemy, your evil counterpart, your nemesis, must be relinquished before you can be saved from guilt. For this the means is prayer, of rising power and with ascending goals, until it reaches even up to God.” (ACIM, S-1.III.1:4–6)

“Even the joining, then, is not enough, if those who pray together do not ask, before all else, what is the Will of God. From this Cause only can the answer come in which are all specifics satisfied; all separate wishes unified in one. Prayer for specifics always asks to have the past repeated in some way. The aim of prayer is to release the present from its chains of past illusions; to let it be a freely chosen remedy from every choice that stood for a mistake.” (ACIM, S-1.IV.3:1–5)

Prayer and guidance meet in listening:

“If you will lay aside the ego’s voice, however loudly it may seem to call…if you will listen with an open mind, which has not told you what salvation is; then you will hear the mighty Voice of truth, quiet in power, strong in stillness, and completely certain in Its messages.” (ACIM, CE W-106)

“Listen, and hear your Father speak to you through His appointed Voice.” (ACIM, CE W-106)

“Be still today and listen to the truth.” (ACIM, CE W-106)

Remembering the Father and His Presence

“The thought of God created you. It left you not, nor have you ever been apart from it an instant. It is yours eternally. By it you live. It is your source of life, holding you one with it, and everything is one with you because it left you not. The thought of God protects you, cares for you, makes soft your resting place and smooth your way, lighting your mind with happiness and love. Eternity and everlasting life shine in your mind because the thought of God has left you not and still abides with you.” (ACIM, CE W-165.2:1–7)

“Deny not Heaven. It is yours today but for the asking. Nor need you perceive how great the gift, how changed your mind will be, before it comes to you. Ask to receive and it is given you. Conviction lies within it. Till you welcome it as yours, uncertainty remains. Yet God is fair. Sureness is not required to receive what only your acceptance can bestow.” (ACIM, CE W-165.4:1–8)

“Practice today in hope. For hope indeed is justified. Your doubts are meaningless, for God is certain, and the thought of Him is never absent. Sureness must abide within you who are host to Him. This course removes all doubts which you have interposed between Him and your certainty of Him. We count on Him and not upon ourselves to give us certainty. And in His Name we practice as His Word directs we do.” (ACIM, CE W-165.7:1–7)

“Your Father has not denied you. He does not retaliate, but He does call to you to return. When you think He has not answered your call, you have not answered His. He calls to you from every part of the Sonship, because of His love for His Son. If you hear His message, He has answered you, and you will learn what you are of Him if you hear aright.” (ACIM, CE T-10.V.7:1–5)

“Trust in my help, for I did not walk alone, and I will walk with you as our Father walked with me. Do you not know that I walked with Him in peace? And does not that mean that peace goes with us on the journey?” (ACIM, CE T-12.III.4:5–7)

“The Lord is with you, but you know it not. Yet your Redeemer liveth and abideth in you in the peace out of which He was created.… If you will look, the Holy Spirit will judge, and will judge truly. He cannot shine away what you keep hidden, for you have not offered it to Him, and He cannot take it from you.” (ACIM, CE T-12.III.6:1–7)

7. Decision Making — The Rules for Decision

This is one of the Course’s most direct practical systems for daily living.

“So now we need to practice them awhile, until they are the rules by which you live. We seek to make them habits now, so you will have them ready and for any need.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“Decisions are continuous. You do not always know when you are making them.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

Rule 1

“Today I will make no decisions by myself.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“This means that you are choosing not to be the judge of what to do. But it must also mean you will not judge the situations where you will be called upon to make response.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“You still make up your mind and then decide to ask what you should do.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

Rule 2

“Throughout the day, at any time you think of it and have a quiet moment for reflection, tell yourself again the kind of day you want.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“If I make no decision by myself, this is the day that will be given me.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

When You Have Already Decided

“I have no question. I forgot what to decide.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“This cancels out the terms which you have set, and lets the answer show you what the question must have really been.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

The Restorative Sequence

“At least I can decide I do not like what I feel now. And so I hope I have been wrong. I want another way to look at this. Perhaps there is another way to look at this. What can I lose by asking?” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

The deepest rule is simply which teacher is being asked to decide with you.

“You will not make decisions by yourself, whatever you decide. For they are made with idols or with God. And you ask help of Christ or anti-Christ, and which you choose will join with you and tell you what to do.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“Your day is not at random. It is set by what you choose to live it with.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“Whose kingdom is the world for you today? What kind of day will you decide to have?” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

8. Asking for Guidance — Do Not Solve the Day Alone

“What would You have me do? Where would You have me go? What would You have me say, and to whom?” (ACIM, CE W-71.9)

“I will step back and let Him lead the way.” (ACIM, CE W-155)

“Peace abides in every mind that quietly accepts the plan that God has set for his Atonement, relinquishing his own. You know not of salvation, for you do not understand it. Make no decisions about what it is or where it lies, but ask of the Holy Spirit everything, and leave all your decisions to His gentle counsel. The One Who knows the plan of God, which God would have you follow, can teach you what it is. Only His wisdom is capable of guiding you to follow it.” (ACIM, CE T-14.IV.5:1–5)

“Say to the Holy Spirit only, ‘Decide for me,’ and it is done. For His decisions are reflections of what God knows about you, and in this light, error of any kind becomes impossible. Why would you struggle so frantically to anticipate all that you cannot know, when all knowledge lies behind every decision that the Holy Spirit makes for you?” (ACIM, CE T-14.IV.8:1–3)

“In everything be led by Him, and do not reconsider. Trust Him to answer quickly, surely, and with love for everyone who will be touched in any way by the decision. And everyone will be.” (ACIM, CE T-14.IV.9:1–3)

“When you are in doubt what you should do, think of His presence in you, and tell yourself this and only this: He leadeth me and knows the way, which I know not. Yet He will never keep from me what He would have me learn. And so I trust Him to communicate to me all that He knows for me.” (ACIM, CE T-14.IV.10:1–4)

“When you have learned how to decide with God, all decisions become as easy and as right as breathing. There is no effort, and you will be led as gently as if you were being carried along a quiet path in summer. Only your own volition seems to make deciding hard. The Holy Spirit will not delay at all in answering your every question what to do. He knows. And He will tell you, and then do it for you.” (ACIM, CE T-14.V.7:1–6)

The early dictation makes guidance intensely practical:

“I have promised to guide you out of problems, and will certainly not create them for you. But this means that you do not undertake to solve them yourselves.” (ACIM, CE Cameo 22)

“When you called Bill about joining you…you should have waited to ask me.” (ACIM, CE Cameo 22)

“The Holy Spirit holds Christ’s purpose in your mind, so that the aim of specialness can be corrected where the error lies. Because His purpose still is one with both the Father and the Son, He knows the will of God and what you really will.… It is the Holy Spirit’s function to teach you how this oneness is experienced, what you must do that it can be experienced, and where you should go to do it.” (ACIM, CE T-25.I.9:1–4)

“The Holy Spirit’s teaching takes only one direction and has only one goal. His direction is freedom and His goal is God.… When you have learned that your will is God’s, you could no more will to be without Him than He could will to be without you. This is freedom and this is joy.” (ACIM, CE T-8.I.14:1–5)

Way of Mastery — Ask the Father

“Father, how would you have me be present this day?” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

“I can choose peace instead of this. I am surrendered, and nothing matters save the extension of the good, the holy, and the beautiful. Therefore, Father, in this moment what is Your Will for me?” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

“For when the mind has truly awakened from illusion, there is nothing left but to be a servant of the Atonement. And the only question left is, Father, how this day might I serve?” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

“What is this moment for? What would you have done through it?” (Way of Mastery, practice note)

9. Relinquish Judgment

“The teacher of God must realize, not that he should not judge, but that he cannot.” (ACIM, CE M-10)

“In order to judge anything rightly, one would have to be fully aware of an inconceivably wide range of things; past, present, and to come.” (ACIM, CE M-10)

“Recognizing that judgment was always impossible for him, he no longer attempts it.” (ACIM, CE M-10)

“Wisdom is not judgment; it is the relinquishment of judgment.” (ACIM, CE M-10)

“Today I will judge nothing that occurs.” (ACIM, CE W-243)

“God’s teachers do not judge. To judge is to be dishonest, for to judge is to assume a position you do not have.” (ACIM, CE M-4.III)

“Without judgment are all men brothers, for who is there who stands apart?” (ACIM, CE M-4.III.1:9)

“It is necessary for the teacher of God to realize, not that he should not judge, but that he cannot. In giving up judgment, he merely gives up what he did not have. He gives up an illusion; or better, he has an illusion of giving up. He has actually merely become more honest. Recognizing that judgment was always impossible for him, he no longer attempts it. This is no sacrifice. On the contrary, he puts himself in a position where judgment through him rather than by him can occur.” (ACIM, CE M-10.2:3–9)

“Wisdom is not judgment; it is the relinquishment of judgment. Make then but one more judgment. It is this: There is Someone with you Whose judgment is perfect. He does know all the facts; past, present, and to come. He does know all the effects of His judgment on everyone and everything involved in any way. And He is wholly fair to everyone, for there is no distortion in His perception.” (ACIM, CE M-10.4:5–10)

“Therefore lay judgment down, not with regret but with a sigh of gratitude. Now are you free of a burden so great that you could merely stagger and fall down beneath it…Now can the teacher of God rise up unburdened and walk lightly on…Where he came to judge, he comes to bless.” (ACIM, CE M-10.5:1–12)

10. Vigilance

“In your mind, and in your mind only, He sorts out the true from the false, and teaches you to judge every thought that you allow to enter in the light of what God put there. Whatever is in accord with this light He retains to strengthen the Kingdom in you. When it is partly in accord with truth, He accepts it and purifies it. But what is out of accord entirely He rejects by judging against. This is how He keeps the Kingdom perfectly consistent and perfectly unified.” (ACIM, CE T-6.VII.C.1:4–8)

“Be vigilant only for God and His Kingdom.” (ACIM, CE T-6.VII.C.3:8)

“If you will keep in mind what the Holy Spirit offers you, you cannot be vigilant for anything but God and His Kingdom. The only reason why you find this difficult is because you think there is something else. Belief does not require vigilance unless it is conflicted. If it is, there are conflicting components within it which have engendered a state of war, and vigilance has therefore become essential. Vigilance has no place at all in peace. It is necessary only against beliefs which are not true, and would never have been called upon by the Holy Spirit if you had not believed the untrue yourself.” (ACIM, CE T-6.VII.C.8:1–6)

“Above all else I want to see.” (ACIM, CE W-27)

“Above all else I want to see things differently.” (ACIM, CE W-28)

“My only function is the one God gave me. I want no other.” (ACIM, CE W-65)

“Let me not forget my function. Let me not try to substitute mine for God’s. Let me forgive and be happy.” (ACIM, CE W-64.6:2–4)

“In the frequent applications of today’s idea to be practiced throughout the day, devote several minutes to reviewing these thoughts and then to thinking about them and about nothing else. This will be difficult, at first particularly, since you are not proficient in the mind discipline which it requires. You may need to repeat ‘Let me not forget my function’ quite often to help you concentrate.” (ACIM, CE W-64.8:1–3)

11. Every Encounter Is a Holy Encounter

“When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose sight of yourself. Whenever two Sons of God meet, they are given another chance at salvation. Do not leave anyone without giving salvation to him and receiving it yourself.” (ACIM, CE T-8.II.6:1–7)

The early dictation applies this even to ordinary courtesy:

“You should know that all God’s children are fully worthy of complete courtesy. You should never join with one at the expense of another.” (ACIM, CE Cameo 22)

“There are ways of treating others in which only consistent courtesy, even in very little things, is offered. It is a very healing habit to acquire.” (ACIM, early dictation / CE Cameo material)

“Whenever any invitation to join others in a gracious way is offered, it should always be met with respect, although it need not always be accepted.” (ACIM, early dictation / CE Cameo material)

12. Forgiveness — The Main Practice of the Day

“God is the love in which I forgive you.” (ACIM, CE W-46)

“God is the love in which I forgive myself.” (ACIM, CE W-46)

“Let miracles replace all grievances.” (ACIM, CE W-78)

“Give me your blessing, holy Son of God. I would behold you with the eyes of Christ, and see my perfect sinlessness in you.” (ACIM, CE W-161)

“My grievances hide the light of the world in me. I cannot see what I have hidden.” (ACIM, CE W-69)

“I can escape from the world by giving up attack thoughts. Herein lies my salvation and nowhere else. Without attack thoughts I could not see a world of attack. As forgiveness allows love to return to my awareness, I will see a world of peace and safety and joy. And it is this I choose to see in place of what I look on now.” (ACIM, CE W-55.3:1–5; reviewing W-23)

“Without attack thoughts I could not see a world of attack. As forgiveness allows love to return to my awareness, I will see a world of peace and safety and joy.” (ACIM, CE W-55)

“I will forgive all things today, that I may learn how to accept the truth in me, and come to recognize my sinlessness.” (ACIM, CE W-119)

“Forgiveness is the final goal of the curriculum. It paves the way for what goes far beyond all learning.” (ACIM, CE M-4.X)

“Forgiveness is its single aim, at which all learning ultimately converges. It is indeed enough.” (ACIM, CE M-4.X.2:12–13)

“Forgiveness recognizes what you thought your brother did to you has not occurred. It does not pardon sins and make them real. It sees there was no sin. And in this view are all your sins forgiven. What is sin except a false idea about God’s Son? Forgiveness merely sees its falsity, and therefore lets it go. What then is free to take its place is now the will of God.” (ACIM, W-pII.1.1)

“Forgiveness, on the other hand, is still, and quietly does nothing. It offends no aspect of reality, nor seeks to twist it to appearances it likes. It merely looks and waits and judges not. He who would not forgive must judge, for he must justify his failure to forgive. But he who would forgive himself must learn to welcome truth exactly as it is.” (ACIM, W-pII.1.4)

“Do nothing, then, and let forgiveness show you what to do through Him Who is your Guide, your Savior and Protector, strong in hope, and certain of your ultimate success. He has forgiven you already, for such is His function, given Him by God. Now must you share His function, and forgive whom He has saved, whose sinlessness He sees, and whom He honors as the Son of God.” (ACIM, W-pII.1.5)

13. Response to Temptation

“I am never upset for the reason I think.” (ACIM, CE W-5)

“I could see peace in this situation instead of what I now see in it.” (ACIM, CE W-34)

“I can replace my feelings of depression, anxiety, or worry…with peace.” (ACIM, CE W-34)

“I do not perceive my own best interests.” (ACIM, CE W-24)

“How could I recognize my own best interests when I do not know who I am?…I am willing to follow the Guide God has given me to find out what my real best interests are, recognizing that I cannot perceive them by myself.” (ACIM, CE W-55)

“I am determined to see things differently.” (ACIM, CE W-21)

When Fear Threatens Peace

“When anything threatens your peace of mind, ask yourself: Has God changed His Mind about me?” (ACIM, CE T-10.I.4:5–6)

“Then accept His decision, for it is indeed changeless, and refuse to change your mind about yourself.” (ACIM, CE T-10.I.4:7)

When You Cannot Release It Yourself

“Never approach the holy instant after you have tried to remove all fear and hatred from your mind. That is its function. Never attempt to overlook your guilt before you ask the Holy Spirit’s help. Forgiveness is His function. Your part is only to offer Him a little willingness to let Him remove all fear and hatred and to be forgiven. On your little faith, joined with His understanding, He will build your part in the Atonement and make sure that you fulfill it easily.” (ACIM, CE T-18.V.2:1–6)

When Frantic Doing Takes Over

“I need do nothing.” (ACIM, CE T-22.VII.7:1)

“To do anything involves the body. And if you recognize you need do nothing, you have withdrawn the body’s value from your mind. Here is the quick and open door through which you slip past centuries of effort, and escape from time.” (ACIM, CE T-22.VII.9:1–3)

“To do nothing is to rest, and make a place within you where the activity of the body ceases to demand attention. Into this place the Holy Spirit comes and there abides. He will remain when you forget, and the body’s activities return to occupy your conscious mind. But there will always be this place of rest to which you can return. And you will be more aware of the quiet center of the storm than all its raging activity. This quiet center, in which you do nothing, will remain with you, giving you rest in the midst of every busy doing on which you are sent. For from this center will you be directed how to use the body sinlessly.” (ACIM, CE T-22.VII.10:1–7)

When You Are Confused About Meaning

“Do not be concerned how you can learn a lesson so completely different from everything you have taught yourself. How would you know? Your part is very simple: You need only recognize that everything you learned you do not want. Ask to be taught, and do not use your experiences to confirm what you have learned. When your peace is threatened or disturbed in any way, say to yourself: I do not know what anything, including this, means. And so I do not know how to respond to it. And I will not use my own past learning as the light to guide me now. By this refusal to attempt to teach yourself what you do not know, the Guide Whom God has given you will speak to you.” (ACIM, CE T-14.XII.8:1–10)

When a Problem Appears

“Let me recognize this problem so it can be solved.” (ACIM, CE W-79)

When Attack Thoughts Arise

“Let me not hold a grievance against you, [name], but offer you the miracle that belongs to you instead.” (ACIM, CE W-89.2:3)

“Remember, then, when you are tempted to attack a brother, that his instant of release is yours. Miracles are the instants of release you offer and will receive. They attest to your willingness to be released and to offer time to the Holy Spirit for His use of it.” (ACIM, CE T-15.II.1:3–5)

When Discouraged About Progress

“Whenever you are tempted to be dispirited by the thought of how long it would take to change your mind so completely, ask yourself, ‘How long is an instant?’ Could you not give so short a time to the Holy Spirit for your salvation? He asks no more, for He has no need of more. It takes far longer to teach you how to be willing to give Him this than for Him to use this tiny instant to offer you the whole of Heaven.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.12:3–6)

Offer Everything You Do Not Want to the Holy Spirit

“We therefore are embarking on an organized, well-structured, and carefully planned program aimed at learning how to offer to the Holy Spirit everything you do not want. He knows what to do with it. You do not know how to use what He knows. Whatever is revealed to Him that is not of God is gone. But you must reveal it to yourself in perfect willingness, for otherwise His knowledge remains useless to you. Surely He will not fail to help you, since help is His only purpose.” (ACIM, CE T-12.III.7:1–6)

Let Love Be the Only Answer

“Salvation is for the mind, and it is attained through peace. This is the only thing that can be saved, and the only way to save it. Any response other than love arises from a confusion about both the what and the how of salvation. And this is the only answer. Never lose sight of this, and never allow yourself to believe, even for an instant, that there is another answer.” (ACIM, CE T-12.IV.5:1–5)

14. Use Time for Miracles

“Each day should be devoted to miracles.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“Time was made so you could use it creatively.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“Time is a teaching device, and a means to an end.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“All through their training, every day and hour, and even every minute and second, must God’s teachers learn to recognize the forms of magic and perceive their meaninglessness.” (ACIM, CE M-16.11)

“There is no will but God’s.” (ACIM, CE M-16.11:6)

“Can you imagine what it means to have no cares, no worries, no anxieties, but merely to be perfectly calm and quiet all the time? Yet that is what time is for—to learn just that and nothing more.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.1:1–2)

“The Holy Spirit uses time in His Own way, and is not bound to it. Time is His friend in teaching. It does not waste Him, as it does you.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.2:2–4)

“The Holy Spirit teaches thus: There is no hell. Hell is only what the ego has made of the present. The belief in hell is what prevents you from understanding the present, because you are afraid of it. The Holy Spirit leads as steadily to Heaven as the ego drives to hell. For the Holy Spirit, Who knows only the present, uses it to undo the fear by which the ego would make the present useless.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.8:1–5)

“The Holy Spirit would undo all of this now. Fear is not of the present, but only of the past and future, which do not exist. There is no fear in the present when each instant stands clear and separated from the past, without its shadow reaching out into the future. Each instant is a clean, untarnished birth, in which the Son of God emerges from the past into the present. And the present extends forever. It is so beautiful and so clean and free of guilt that nothing but happiness is there.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.9:1–7)

“Begin to practice the Holy Spirit’s use of time as a teaching aid to happiness and peace. Take this very instant, now, and think of it as all there is of time. Nothing can reach you here out of the past, and it is here that you are completely absolved, completely free, and wholly without condemnation. From this holy instant, wherein holiness is born, you will go forth in time without fear.” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.10:3–6)

“In the holy instant, in which you see yourself as bright with freedom, you will remember God. For remembering Him is to remember freedom. Whenever you are tempted to be dispirited by the thought of how long it would take to change your mind so completely, ask yourself, ‘How long is an instant?’ Could you not give so short a time to the Holy Spirit for your salvation?” (ACIM, CE T-15.I.12:1–4)

Know and Fulfill Your Special Function

“To each He gives a special function in salvation he alone can fill, a part for only him. Nor is the plan complete until he finds his special function and fulfills the part assigned to him, to make himself complete within a world where incompletion rules. Here, where the laws of God do not prevail in perfect form, can he yet do one perfect thing and make one perfect choice.” (ACIM, CE T-25.VI.4:1–3)

“Forgiveness is the only function meaningful in time. It is the means the Holy Spirit uses to translate specialness from sin into salvation. Forgiveness is for all. But when it rests on all it is complete, and every function of this world completed with it. Then is time no more. But while in time there is still much to do, and each must do what is allotted him, for on his part does all the plan depend. He has a special part in time.” (ACIM, CE T-25.VI.5:1–7)

“The Holy Spirit needs your special function, that His may be fulfilled. Think not that you lack special value here. You wanted it, and it is given you. All that you made can serve salvation easily and well. The Son of God can make no choice the Holy Spirit cannot employ on his behalf, and not against himself.… In light you see it is your special function in the plan to save the Son of God from all attack and let him understand that he is safe, as he has always been and must remain in time and in eternity alike. This is the function given each of you for one another.” (ACIM, CE T-25.VI.7:1–8)

“Salvation of the world depends on me. Here is the statement that will one day take all arrogance away from every mind. Here is a thought of true humility, which holds no function as your own but that which has been given you. It offers your acceptance of a part assigned to you, without insisting on another role. It does not judge your proper role. It but acknowledges the will of God is done on earth as well as Heaven.” (ACIM, CE W-186.1:1–6)

“Let us not fight our function. We did not establish it. It is not our idea. The means are given us by which it will be perfectly accomplished. All that we are asked to do is to accept our part in genuine humility, and not deny with self-deceiving arrogance that we are worthy. What is given us to do, we have the strength to do. Our minds are suited perfectly to take the part assigned to us by One Who knows us well.” (ACIM, CE W-186.2:1–7)

“All false humility we lay aside today, that we may listen to God’s Voice reveal to us what He would have us do. We do not doubt our adequacy for the function He will offer us. We will be certain only that He knows our strengths, our wisdom, and our holiness, and if He deems us worthy, so we are.” (ACIM, CE W-186.4:1–4)

15. Give Miracles

“Each day should be devoted to miracles.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“I am the messenger of God today. My voice is His, to give what I receive.” (ACIM, CE W-106)

“To give and to receive are one in truth.” (ACIM, CE W-119)

“As you give you will receive. There is no plan but this for the salvation of the Son of God.” (ACIM, CE W-122.6:4–5)

“My brother, peace and joy I offer you, that I may have God’s peace and joy as mine.” (ACIM, CE W-105.7:5)

The Course makes service practical:

“The Holy Spirit is the only Therapist. He makes healing perfectly clear in any situation in which He is the Guide. The human therapist can only let Him fulfill His function. He needs no help in this. He will tell you exactly what to do to help anyone He sends to you for help, and will speak to him through you, if you do not interfere. Remember that you are choosing a guide for helping, and the wrong choice will not help. But remember also that the right one will.” (ACIM, CE T-9.V.10:1–7)

“Trust Him, for help is His function, and He is of God. And as you awaken other minds to God, through Him and not yourself, you will understand that you are not obeying the laws of this world, but that the laws you are obeying work.” (ACIM, CE T-9.V.11:1–2)

Way of Mastery — Extend the Treasure

How Can I Extend my Treasure?

“This day, how can I extend my treasure? How can I add to that which I am storing up in the Heaven of my consciousness?” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

The Good, the Holy, & the Beautiful: “How can I extend my treasure this day?”

“The sole purpose of Creation is to extend the good, the holy, and the beautiful.” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

“The extension of the good, the holy and the beautiful needs to become your sole purpose.” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

“There is nothing else to do with time except extend the good, the holy, and the beautiful.” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

Begin Your Ministry Now

Begin Your Ministry NOW

“I and my Father are One. It has been that way forever.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

“And even in this moment, I accept my destiny to walk this Earth awake and at peace, in mastery and not in fear. And I begin my ministry now.” (Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10)

16. Speech — Listen, Hear, Speak

“The teacher of God must, however, learn to use words in a new way. Gradually he learns how to let his words be chosen for him by ceasing to decide for himself what he will say. This process is merely a special case of the lesson in the workbook which says, ‘I will step back and let Him lead the way.’ The teacher of God accepts the words which are offered him and gives as he receives. He does not control the direction of his speaking. He listens and hears and speaks.” (ACIM, CE M-21.4:4–9)

“Judge not the words that come to you, but offer them in confidence. They are far wiser than your own. God’s teachers have God’s Word behind their symbols.” (ACIM, CE M-21.5:6–8)

“You should never join with one at the expense of another.” (ACIM, early dictation / CE Cameo material)

“There are ways of treating others in which only consistent courtesy, even in very little things, is offered. It is a very healing habit to acquire.” (ACIM, early dictation / CE Cameo material)

The daily discipline of speech is therefore: listen first; let the content be given; speak for joining rather than attack.

17. The Body and Ordinary Activity

The Course does not require escape from ordinary life; it gives ordinary life another purpose.

“There is a way of living in the world that is not here, although it seems to be.” (ACIM, CE W-155)

“You walk this path as others walk, nor do you seem to be distinct from them, although you are indeed. Thus can you serve them while you serve yourself.” (ACIM, CE W-155)

“Changes are required in the minds of God’s teachers. This may or may not involve changes in the external situation.” (ACIM, CE M-9)

“It is most unlikely that changes in attitudes would not be the first step in the newly made teacher of God’s training.” (ACIM, CE M-9)

“All things, events, encounters, and circumstances are helpful.” (ACIM, CE M-4.I.4:5)

The body can be given a new purpose:

“Remember that the Holy Spirit interprets the body only as a means of communication. Being the communication link between God and His separated Sons, He interprets everything you have in the light of what He is. The ego separates through the body. The Holy Spirit reaches through it to others. You do not perceive your brothers as the Holy Spirit does, because you do not interpret their bodies and yours solely as a means of joining their minds and uniting them with yours and mine.” (ACIM, CE T-8.VI.2:1–5)

“If you use it only to reach the minds of those who believe they are bodies, and teach them through the body that this is not so, you will begin to understand the power of the mind that is in both them and you. If you use the body for this and only for this, you cannot use it for attack. In the service of uniting, it becomes a beautiful lesson in communion, which has value until communion is.” (ACIM, CE T-8.VI.3:4–6)

“Communication ends separation. Attack promotes it. The body is ugly or beautiful, savage or holy, helpful or harmful, according to the use to which it is put.” (ACIM, CE T-8.VI.4:3–5)

Way of Mastery — Make the Ordinary Sacred

Pick an ordinary activity and make it the focus of your worship

“Choose something that you do every day, that you are convinced is so utterly ordinary that it certainly doesn’t hold any power or any spiritual meaning whatsoever.” (Way of Mastery practice)

“Pick something that you know you do every day and decide to make that the focus of your worship.” (Way of Mastery practice)

“Become aware of it, own it as self-created, and then say, within yourself, as you contemplate that action: ‘It is very good. I have done this, and it is good. I have created.’” (Way of Mastery practice)

18. The Ten Characteristics of a Teacher of God

I. Trust

“This is the foundation on which their ability to fulfill their function rests. Perception is the result of learning. In fact, perception is learning, because cause and effect are never separate. The teachers of God have trust in the world because they have learned that it is not governed by the laws the world made up. It is governed by a Power That is in them but not of them. It is this Power That keeps all things safe. It is through this Power that the teachers of God look on a forgiven world.” (ACIM, CE M-4.I.1:1–7)

“When this Power has once been experienced, it is impossible to trust one’s own petty strength again. Who would attempt to fly with the tiny strength of a sparrow when the mighty wings of an eagle have been given him? And who would place his faith in the shabby offerings of the ego when the gifts of God are laid before him?” (ACIM, CE M-4.I.2:1–3)

“He must learn to lay all judgment aside and ask only that he be taught what he really wants in every circumstance.” (ACIM, CE M-4.I.7:8)

II. Honesty

“All other traits of God’s teachers rest on trust. Once that has been achieved, the others cannot fail to follow. Only the trusting can afford honesty, for only they can see its value. Honesty does not apply only to what you say. The term actually means consistency. There is nothing you say that contradicts what you think or do; no thought opposes any other thought; no act belies your word; and no word lacks agreement with another. Such are the truly honest. At no level are they in conflict with themselves. Therefore it is impossible for them to be in conflict with anyone or anything.” (ACIM, CE M-4.II.1:1–9)

III. Tolerance

“God’s teachers do not judge. To judge is to be dishonest, for to judge is to assume a position you do not have. Judgment without self-deception is impossible. Judgment implies that you have been deceived in your brothers. How then could you not have been deceived in yourself? Judgment implies a lack of trust, and trust remains the bedrock of the teacher of God’s whole thought system. Let this be lost and all his learning goes. Without judgment are all things equally acceptable, for who could judge otherwise? Without judgment are all men brothers, for who is there who stands apart? Judgment destroys honesty and shatters trust. No teacher of God can judge and hope to learn.” (ACIM, CE M-4.III.1:1–11)

IV. Gentleness

“Harm is impossible for God’s teachers. They can neither harm nor be harmed. Harm is the outcome of judgment. It is the dishonest act that follows a dishonest thought. It is a verdict of guilt upon a brother, and therefore on oneself. It is the end of peace and the denial of learning.… Nor can God’s Teacher be heard at all except by those who realize that harm can actually achieve nothing at all. No gain can come from it.” (ACIM, CE M-4.IV.1:1–12)

“Therefore God’s teachers are wholly gentle. They need the strength of gentleness, for it is in this that the function of salvation becomes easy.… The might of God’s teachers lies in their gentleness.” (ACIM, CE M-4.IV.2:1–8)

V. Joy

“Joy is the inevitable result of gentleness. Gentleness means that fear is now impossible, and what could come to interfere with joy? The open hands of gentleness are always filled. The gentle have no pain. They cannot suffer. Why would they not be joyous? They are sure they are beloved and must be safe. Joy goes with gentleness as surely as grief attends attack. God’s teachers trust in Him, and they are sure His Teacher goes before them, making sure no harm can come to them.… Joy is their song of thanks.” (ACIM, CE M-4.V.1:1–11)

VI. Defenselessness

“God’s teachers have learned how to be simple. They have no dreams that need defense against the truth. They do not try to make themselves. Their joy comes from their understanding Who created them. And does what God created need defense?” (ACIM, CE M-4.VI.1:1–5)

“It is not danger that comes when defenses are laid down. It is safety. It is peace. It is joy. And it is God.” (ACIM, CE M-4.VI.1:10–14)

VII. Generosity

“The term ‘generosity’ has special meaning to a teacher of God.… To the world, generosity means ‘giving away’ in the sense of ‘giving up.’ To the teacher of God, it means giving away in order to keep.… In the clearest way possible and at the simplest of levels, the word means the exact opposite to the teachers of God than it does to the world.” (ACIM, CE M-4.VII.1:1–8)

“The teacher of God does not want anything he cannot give away, because he realizes it would be valueless to him by definition.… But he does want to keep for himself all things that are of God and therefore for His Son. These are the things that belong to him. These he can give away in true generosity, protecting them forever for himself.” (ACIM, CE M-4.VII.2:1–12)

VIII. Patience

“Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety. Patience is natural to the teacher of God. All he sees is certain outcome, at a time perhaps unknown as yet, but not in doubt. The time will be as right as is the answer. And this is true for everything that happens now or in the future.… Patience is natural to those who trust. Sure of the ultimate interpretation of all things in time, no outcome already seen or yet to come can cause them fear.” (ACIM, CE M-4.VIII.1:1–10)

IX. Faithfulness

“The extent of the teacher of God’s faithfulness is the measure of his advancement in the curriculum. Does he still select some aspects of his life to bring to his learning, while keeping others apart? If so, his advancement is limited and his trust not yet firmly established. Faithfulness is the teacher of God’s trust in the Word of God to set all things right; not some, but all.… To give up all problems to one Answer is to reverse the thinking of the world entirely. And that alone is faithfulness.” (ACIM, CE M-4.IX.1:1–8)

“True faithfulness, however, does not deviate. Being consistent, it is wholly honest. Being unswerving, it is full of trust. Being based on fearlessness, it is gentle. Being certain, it is joyous. And being confident, it is tolerant.” (ACIM, CE M-4.IX.2:1–6)

X. Open-Mindedness

“The centrality of open-mindedness, perhaps the last of the attributes the teacher of God acquires, is easily understood when its relation to forgiveness is recognized. Open-mindedness comes with lack of judgment. As judgment shuts the mind against God’s Teacher, so open-mindedness invites Him to come in.… Only the open-minded can be at peace, for they alone see reason for it.” (ACIM, CE M-4.X.1:1–6)

“How do the open-minded forgive? They have let go all things that would prevent forgiveness. They have in truth abandoned the world and let it be restored to them in newness and in joy so glorious they never could have conceived of such a change.… No clouds remain to hide the face of Christ. Now is the goal achieved. Forgiveness is the final goal of the curriculum. It paves the way for what goes far beyond all learning.… Forgiveness is its single aim, at which all learning ultimately converges. It is indeed enough.” (ACIM, CE M-4.X.2:1–13)

19. Ordinary Events Are the Curriculum

“Not one is absent whom he needs; not one is sent without a learning goal already set, and one which can be met that very day.” (ACIM, CE M-16.1)

“It takes great learning to understand that all things, events, encounters, and circumstances are helpful. It is only to the extent to which they are helpful that any degree of reality should be accorded them in this world of illusion. The word ‘value’ can apply to nothing else.” (ACIM, CE M-4.I.4:5–7)

“This course is always practical.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4)

“The lessons do not change at random.” (ACIM, CE M-16)

The work of the day is therefore the work presented by this brother, this reaction, this delay, this fear, this desire, this conversation, this decision, this body, this task, this hour.

20. When You Forget — Begin Again

“It is always possible to begin again should the day begin with error.” (ACIM, CE M-16.2)

“If we stumble, You will raise us up. If we forget the way, we count upon Your sure remembering. We wander off, but You will not forget to call us back.” (ACIM, CE W-Re.5.In.3:2–4)

“At least I can decide I do not like what I feel now.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“And so I hope I have been wrong.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“I want another way to look at this.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

“Perhaps there is another way to look at this. What can I lose by asking?” (ACIM, CE T-30.I)

Correction, not guilt, is the response to forgetting.

21. Evening — Return the Day to God

“The same procedures should be followed at night. Perhaps your quiet time should be fairly early in the evening, if it is not feasible for you to take it just before going to sleep. It is not wise to lie down for it. It is better to sit up, in whatever position you prefer.… If possible, however, just before sleeping is a desirable time to devote to God. It sets your mind into a pattern of rest and orients you away from fear. If it is expedient to spend this time earlier, at least be sure that you do not forget a brief period—not more than a moment will do—in which you close your eyes and think of God.” (ACIM, CE M-16.5:1–8)

“I rest in God today, and let Him work in me and through me while I rest in Him in quiet and in perfect certainty.” (ACIM, CE W-120)

A prayer for sleep:

“And let me sleep sure of my safety, certain of Your care, and happily aware I am Your Son.” (ACIM, CE W-232.2:5)

The evening can therefore end in forgiveness, gratitude, release, and trust—not self-judgment.

Way of Mastery — Release and Bless

The Way of Mastery emphasis is compatible: relinquish the day’s interpretations, release fear and control, bless what arose, and return to the Heart.

“I can choose peace instead of this. I am surrendered, and nothing matters save the extension of the good, the holy, and the beautiful.” (Way of Mastery, Lesson 8)

22. A Compact Daily Rule

On Waking

“As soon as possible after waking, take your quiet time.” (ACIM, CE M-16.4:7)

“Today I will make no decisions by myself.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.3:2)

“What would You have me do? Where would You have me go? What would You have me say, and to whom?” (ACIM, CE W-71.9)

“How, this day, might I extend the treasure of the good, the holy and the beautiful?” (Way of Mastery)

“Here, I am free. Heaven is now.” (Way of Mastery)

Through the Day

“God goes with me wherever I go.” (ACIM, CE W-41)

“Be vigilant only for God and His Kingdom.” (ACIM, CE T-6.VII.C.3:8)

“When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose sight of yourself. Whenever two Sons of God meet, they are given another chance at salvation. Do not leave anyone without giving salvation to him and receiving it yourself. For I am always there with you, in remembrance of you.” (ACIM, CE T-8.II.6:1–8)

“Let miracles replace all grievances.” (ACIM, CE W-78)

“I will step back and let Him lead the way.” (ACIM, CE W-155)

“Each day should be devoted to miracles.” (ACIM, CE T-1.15)

“This day, how can I extend my treasure?” (Way of Mastery)

When Upset

“I am never upset for the reason I think.” (ACIM, CE W-5)

“At least I can decide I do not like what I feel now.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.10:2)

“And so I hope I have been wrong.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.11:2)

“I want another way to look at this.” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.13:4)

“Perhaps there is another way to look at this. What can I lose by asking?” (ACIM, CE T-30.I.14:3–4)

“Father, in this moment what is Your Will for me?” (Way of Mastery)

Each Hour

“We will quietly sit by and wait on Him and listen to His Voice and learn what He would have us do the hour that is yet to come.” (ACIM, CE W-153.16)

“For five minutes every hour, be you, therefore, as you are created to be—a creator.” (Way of Mastery)

At Night

“The same procedures should be followed at night.” (ACIM, CE M-16.5:1)

“At least be sure that you do not forget a brief period—not more than a moment will do—in which you close your eyes and think of God.” (ACIM, CE M-16.5:8)

“And let me sleep sure of my safety, certain of Your care, and happily aware I am Your Son.” (ACIM, CE W-232.2)

23. Christ Path Mantras — Prayers, Keys, and Reminders

Identity

I and my Father are One. I am God’s Son, complete and healed and whole, shining in the reflection of His Love. I am as my Father created me to be. I remain what I was created to be—the thought of perfect Love in form. I am Christ eternal. I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me and through me. I am the Light of the world. The Light of the world shines through me. I am the creator of all that I experience. The Son of God is free. God is but Love, and therefore, so am I. I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.

Kingdom of Heaven

This world holds nothing that I want. Heaven is here, and there is nowhere else. God is with me now, and the only time that exists is this moment. Seek first the Kingdom, and all else shall be added unto you. Unless you become as a little child, you shall not enter the Kingdom.

Surrender

Not my will, but Thine be done. Of myself, I can do nothing. My Father through me does all things. And it is very good. I will arise and go unto my Father. Father, into Your hands, I commend my spirit. I place the future in the hands of God. I need do nothing. I am not a victim of the world I see. Did I create myself? No. I know nothing and can do nothing. Therefore, I allow my Creator to move through me and reveal to me all things.

Guidance

Holy Spirit, what would You have me do? Where would You have me go? What would You have me say, and to whom? What is this moment for? What would You have done through it? Holy Spirit, decide for me. I know not what anything is or what it is for. Please transform my perceptions so that I may see the truth. I know not what a single thing is; Holy Spirit, teach me anew. I accept that every moment of my experience is literally being brought to me by my Creator, who alone knows the perfect plan for healing my mind. Am I willing to release every perception I have learned of the world and allow the one Teacher to re-teach me? Holy Spirit, bring wisdom, that I might understand what I am feeling. Father, show me Thy Face, teach me Thy Truth, that Thy Will might be done through me, that Creation might be restored to Thee. I need only ask, and the answer is given.

Forgiveness

I forgive you and bless you because you are who I am, and in Reality, there is only one of us present. I forgive my brother and myself for what we did not do. Forgiveness is my function as the Light of the world. In my relationships is my salvation. Love allows all things, Love accepts all things, Love trusts all things, Love embraces all things, and therefore Love is transcendent of all things. What I give to my brother, I give to myself. I am here to bless the world through the Forgiveness of Christ.

Miracles and Healing

Each day should be devoted to miracles. Miracles occur naturally as expressions of Love. Help me to perform whatever miracles You want of me today. You will see miracles through your hands through me. Healing is the gift I give to myself. The Light has come; I am healed and whole. I accept that every moment of my experience is being brought to me for the healing of my mind.

Peace

Be still, and know that I AM God. The way is easy and without effort. I walk with God in perfect holiness. In my defenselessness, my safety lies. There is nothing to fear. Salvation is my only function here. When you are afraid, be still and know that God is real. Love is the way I walk in gratitude. You do not walk alone. God’s angels hover near. And let me sleep sure of my safety, certain of Your care, and happily aware I am Your Son.

Vision

I will see this with the eyes of Christ. The world I see is not real. The peace of God is shining in me now. Response to temptation: I could see peace instead of this. Holy Spirit, I ask for true perception.

The Christ and the Holy Instant

Christ dwelleth as me, through me, in me. Abide as Christ. Be Christ in the Kingdom. This holy instant is all there is. God’s Son is guiltless, and in his innocence is his salvation. You are still My holy Son, forever innocent, forever loving, and forever loved. How much of God am I able to receive and allow to be expressed through me? I abide as Christ.

Treasure

Give us this day our daily bread. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven. How can I extend my treasure this day? Attaining the Kingdom of God is like the way of the merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he finds the one pearl of great price, sells all that he has and buys it. Teach only Love, for that is what I am.

Daily Axioms

I am created as my Father created me to be. I am free. I am the source of my experience. I need do nothing. I do not live any ordinary moments. The only relationship that holds any value at all is my relationship with God, my creative Source, the depth of the ocean.

The Lord’s Prayer

My Father Who art in Heaven Hallowed be Thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done On earth as it is in Heaven Give me this day my daily bread And forgive me my sins As I forgive the sins of my brother Lead me not into temptation And deliver me from evil For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Forever and ever Amen

The Deepest Daily Orientation

The whole day can be reduced to a few recurring movements:

Listen instead of deciding alone.

Forgive instead of judging.

Join instead of separating.

Give instead of getting.

Bless instead of attack.

See Christ instead of the body-image.

Let the Holy Spirit reinterpret everything.

Use every encounter for salvation.

Let miracles be given through you.

Return again and again to God.

And increasingly let even this scaffolding disappear into simple communion:

“He keeps in constant contact with the Answer.” (ACIM, CE M-16.1:9)

“There is no substitute for the will of God. In simple statement, it is to this fact that the teacher of God devotes his day.” (ACIM, CE M-16.10:1–2)

“There is no will but God’s.” (ACIM, CE M-16.11:6)

Primary ACIM Source Map

• CE M-16 — How Should the Teacher of God Spend His Day?
• CE T-30.I — Rules for Decision
• CE M-4 — Characteristics of God’s Teachers
• CE M-9 — Changes in the Life Situation
• CE M-10 — How Is Judgment Relinquished?
• CE M-21 — The Role of Words in Healing
• CE T-8.II — The Holy Encounter
• CE T-6 — Vigilance for God and His Kingdom
• CE T-18.IV — The Little Willingness
• CE T-22 — I Need Do Nothing
• CE W-20, 41, 46, 55, 65, 71, 78, 79, 98, 106, 118–120, 153, 155, 161, 232, 243, 291
• The Song of Prayer

Way of Mastery / Related Jeshua Source Map

• Abiding as Christ: Practice — Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10
• Arising in the Morning as an Enlightened Creator — Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10
• How Can I Extend my Treasure? — Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10
• The Good, the Holy, & the Beautiful: “How can I extend my treasure this day?” — Way of Mastery, Lessons 8 and 10
• “Father, in this moment what is Your Will for me?” — Way of Mastery, Lesson 8
• Pick an ordinary activity and make it the focus of your worship — Way of Mastery practice
• Begin Your Ministry NOW — Way of Mastery, The Way of the Heart, Lesson 10
• Surrender Practice — Related Jeshua material, The Early Years: Choose to See