Editorial August 31, 1918 Issue

Prayer, Silent and Effective

William P. McKenzie

The First Reader of a Christian Science church was invited to "give the invocation" at a public meeting of citizens. He began to explain to the chairman that our method of prayer differed from the usual form, but was assured that he could do as he thought best. The audience was assembled in a large church, and when he was called upon, he said: "In that sacred book, the Holy Bible, in the sixth chapter of Matthew we read that our dear Lord and Master, Christ Jesus, was teaching his disciples how to pray. He said, 'When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.' Then he gave that wonderful prayer which Christianity has come to know as the Lord's Prayer. Let us now have a few moments of silent prayer, after which let us all join in repeating the Lord's Prayer audibly."

A prominent business man of the city, prominent in religious circles also, who was present at this meeting, made no delay in seeking out a reading room in order to procure a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." He explained that he had experienced a great sense of peace during that silent prayer, and wanted to learn how to pray aright. Others sought for healing, explaining to the practitioners that they were moved thereto by the impression they received during the silent prayer at the public meeting.

The world is not unfamiliar with prayer in public on great occasions when an orator is engaged to make the prayer. We used to be told of the famous description that slipped into print regarding one such prayer as being "the most eloquent prayer that was ever addressed to a Boston audience." Assuming that the audience in such a case listened as critics of the performance, their hearts could not be effectually united to God by the prayer. Curiously enough, one who engaged much in public audible prayer and denounced Mrs. Eddy as "prayerless," was present at the session of the Christian Scientists during the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893, and joined with them in silent prayer, the form of prayer she had used since 1866.

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
Editorial
Labor of Love
August 31, 1918
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit