Article September 26, 1908 Issue

VAIN REPETITIONS

ANNA C. GURSKE

The Master said in his Sermon on the Mount, "When ye pray, use not vain repetitions." According to the dictionary, vain means "ineffectual; useless; destitute of force; powerless." Christian Scientists are often asked, "What do you say when you pray?" True seekers who are yearning to know and understand the Principle of healing, learn ere long that it is not what one says, but what one knows about God and the perfect man that carries healing force with it. One might for hours repeat beautiful statements about God and man, and yet find that the sufferer before him was in no way relieved. Such statements in themselves are as cold and ineffectual as are moonbeams upon ice.

When Jesus restored the withered hand it was not what he said, but what he knew about health and strength and perfection which brought about the restoration. We find no record in the Scriptures of any "vain repetitions" which he used. Jesus was always about the Father's business, ever penetrating farther and farther into the realm of Mind, and when a discordant, disorderly condition confronted him, it disappeared before that consciousness which understood Life, just as the belief that three times three are ten disappears from the consciousness of the child when the problem is presented to one who knows and understands the truth regarding that combination of figures, and who makes it clear to the child.

One must learn that it is Christ, Truth, who heals and saves; then there will be small use for words. The truth has not changed, and it uplifts, cheers, and restores to-day as when Jesus walked among men. Those who follow in the same path of mental purity and obedience to divine law will find their consciousness becoming a fit dwelling-place for the Christ-mind, and they will comprehend the words, "Lo, I am with you alway." He who is ever rising superior to the suggestions of mortal belief, and who through Christian Science keeps the healing Christ enshrined in his consciousness, will find little use for "vain repetitions." When the cry of him who has stumbled under the weight of human error comes to such a one, there will instantly go forth such a mighty mental wave of healing and peace that the discordant condition will be engulfed, and it will be found no more.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
SERVICE
September 26, 1908
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit