A treasure map pictures what we want. It has been called “pictured prayer.” Just as a road map indicates the way to a planned destination, a treasure map helps us get what we desire – healing, supply, a job, possessions, happiness. Physically, it is a piece of paper on which we have placed pictures of what we want with statements of faith. …

We think, and we form our world after the pattern of our thinking. A map helps us think right so that we can and do create what we want to experience. It keeps us close to God. It reminds us every time we look at it that we are one with God. … This is the wonderful part of treasure mapping.

Treasure mapping for a job or business

Many jobs have been found, new businesses established, old ones expanded and diversified through treasure mapping. A map clarifies thinking that is confused by worry and concern. It develops the needed “single” eye.

Kenneth lost his job. He became desperate as days went by and his savings disappeared. He was dubious that any good could come from a treasure map, but was willing to try it. He thought a long time before he started his map. Yes, he did know what he wanted; he even knew where. He put a picture of the plan on a piece of cardboard. Boldly he added the amount of money he wanted to be paid. Then he added: “I work for God. God needs me in this job or a better one. God cares for me.” His boldness almost startled him.

Kenneth went for a walk, but all he could see was the treasure map. He returned to his room and sat holding the map for a long time. He watched it while he shaved the next morning, then said, “Okay, I'll go back to see the people where I left my application.” …

When Kenneth arrived, the personnel clerk brought him his file and asked him to fill in one blank left empty when he had been there before. Quickly he wrote in the salary he expected. At the moment he would have settled for room and board! The next day he had a call for an interview. “I liked the decisiveness with which you wrote the amount of salary you wanted,” the personnel director told him after he hired him. “Two raises, and you'll have it.”

How to make your treasure map

It may seem a little far-fetched to think that cutting out pictures and pasting them on heavy paper or cardboard can bring good to us or change our lives. Some people think that maps are child's play. But they aren't. Far from it, treasure mapping is a deliberate choosing and working toward good. …

Begin your map by making a decision: What is this map for? If you have many desires, choose the most important or the one that needs to come first – your first good. Approach mapping with pleasure and with humility, for you are using your inner power to think, to decide, to image, to believe, to accept.

All maps should be as simple as possible – with clear, vivid pictures, preferably in color. Color helps focus your attention. …

Maps need words, for there is power in words – thought, spoken and written. Strong affirmations give strength to expectancy of the pictured good. Biblical promises remind you that you have a rich heritage from God. …

After you have made your map, expect it to work: I am guided to my true job (success, and so forth). All that I want wants me now. 

This is what treasure mapping really does. It helps us call forth the good that is available for us in every phase of our lives.

This article was adapted from the Unity booklet What Treasure Mapping Can Do for You by Mary Katherine MacDougall.