Article March 6, 1909 Issue

ANSWERED PRAYER

GRACE C. BOAKE.

We hear many testimonies as to the value of the Lesson-Sermons, in that they acquaint one with the truth and beauty of the Scriptures; and that Mrs. Eddy's book, Science and Health, is indeed a "Key to the Scriptures," every Scientist will affirm. Before we had this guide to help us to interpret spiritually the Old and New Testaments, many verses seemed contradictory, one to the other, while other passages were apparently without any meaning whatsoever. It is of this latter class that I would speak, as having recently experienced the understanding of Truth and a knowledge of how to free oneself from a bondage to unnecessary conditions.

In the old thought some have prayed with the hope that God would grant their request, and have endeavored to be resigned if their prayer remained unanswered. Others, who had been brought up as Christians, ceased to pray as they grew older and become conscious of a would of suffering humanity, but there was a constant striving to protect themselves against an unnamable fear of adversity, sickness, and even death. They believed that God governs the universe in a way not comprehensible to us in this world, and that it was of no avail to implore this Supreme Being to change any of His decrees so long as "fate" had planned that such things should exist here and some other results should be effected in another place; therefore these people either became bitter and cynical, or were resigned to the inevitable. Such belief is not, however, in conformity with the teachings of Jesus, who said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," and who also assured his disciples, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." The whole trouble lies in the fact that mortal, material man does not know what his needs are, and not until he can say, "Not my will, but thine, be done," will he be freed from worry and anxiety, and realize the peace which "passeth all understanding."

The writer recently went through an experience which was mentally very painful. I desired things to come my way—at times it seemed as if I would be willing to suffer any consequences rather than give up a cherished plan. Right here was proven the practicability of Christian Science teaching, which shows how Christ, Truth, is ever present to enlighten the eyes of the living. As I read this verse in Psalms: "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul," a light seemed to dawn upon my darkened vision, and I realized the meaning of the passage, "If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." I saw that when we shut out the spiritual sense, we may acquire those material possessions which we are so anxious to have; but "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul [spiritual sense]," or impoverish it?

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