Editorial May 5, 1917 Issue

Daily Prayer

Archibald McLellan

In a letter by Mrs. Eddy, published on page 132 of "Miscellaneous Writings," she gives a hint to her followers which should not be ignored by them at any time, and especially in times of stress such as the present. In this letter she tells in simple words of her own custom and her own faith. She writes: "Three times a day, I retire to seek the divine blessing on the sick and sorrowing, with my face toward the Jerusalem of Love and Truth, in silent prayer to the Father which 'seeth in secret,' and with childlike confidence that he will reward 'openly.' In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest."

That our Leader recognized not only the importance but also the efficacy of daily prayer is shown by the request which she made to all Christian Scientists, in her Message to The Mother Church in 1896: "One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father-Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone,—but more grace, obedience, and love" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 127).

Importunate prayer was sanctioned by the Master in the parable by which he taught that "men ought always to pray, and not to faint," and even when the answer to our prayer seems to be delayed, we must not lose heart and yield to the temptation to give up the struggle. It is not enough to ask; we must bear our own part in the accomplishment of our right desires. On page 13 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says: "If we are not secretly yearning and openly striving for the accomplishment of all we ask, our prayers are 'vain repetitions,' such as the heathen use. If our petitions are sincere, we labor for what we ask; and our Father, who seeth in secret, will reward us openly." The psalmist said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread," and we should have equal confidence with him that God is always ready to bless us.

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