Editorial September 23, 1905 Issue

The Power of Prayer

Annie M. Knott

CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS will be especially interested in knowing that a broader and more practical sense of the power of prayer is finding expression among the clergy in England. The Bishop of Manchester is reported as saying, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." These were spoken with reference to a serious industrial crisis which was pending at the time, involving a demand for higher wages on the part of certain workpeople. The clergymen of the Church of England, in this diocese, were advised to avoid all reference to the dispute in their sermons, but they were at the same time instructed to use a special prayer for the tranquilizing of the antagonistic factions. It seems that concessions were quickly made by the employers, and thus a most distressing strike was averted. It also followed, that thanksgiving prayer, for this peaceful solution of a serious problem, was offered in all the churches of the diocese.

There are none who will rejoice over this recognition of the efficacy of prayer more than will Christian Scientists, for they have learned the wisdom of first seeking divine aid and guidance in all their problems, and many grateful testimonies are given by those engaged in business,—showing that the divine help which was first experienced in their physical healing, is equally available and efficacious in straightening the "crooked places" in business transactions. It matters little to them that others may condemn or ridicule their new views on the subject of prayer, for if they are faithful to the teaching of Christian Science they prove daily that God's kingdom is here, and that no discords can find a place in it.

A business man's experience along this line may be of interest to many. Soon after his healing in Christian Science, he found himself much perplexed over a problem which threatened him with financial loss, and which was greatly complicated by the conflicting views of the parties connected with the enterprise. Nearly all of the others whose interests were involved, indulged in condemnation of their business associates and predicted utter failure for the undertaking. As an important meeting drew near, the Scientist saw the necessity for turning away from all this discord, and he then found confidence and serenity in communion with the divine Mind. He was thus able to think of these others as brethren, and to regard their interests as identical with his own. He was also able to see that if selfishness were overcome, and a desire for each other's good were to prevail, a way would be shown whereby all their interests would be conserved. In this attitude of thought he went to the meeting, his own sense clarified and fortified by prayer and the understanding gained in Christian Science. At the first suggestion of discord he rose and made a strong plea for brotherliness, and expressed a willingness to surrender his personal views and interests, if necessary, in the cause of harmony. After a momentary silence, others took the keynote thus given, and in a short time all discord had given place to good feeling.

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