Editorial July 11, 1925 Issue

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Albert F. Gilmore

Christian Scientists find a valuable lesson in the experience of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, as recorded in John's gospel. Having waited until the death of his friend had been generally accepted, perhaps in order that the full significance of his demonstration might be manifest, Christ Jesus, we read, "lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." He then proceeded to speak the word which brought Lazarus from the tomb.

Here we have an unmistakable example of the Master's giving thanks to God before the demonstration which he sought was, to human sense, completed. It is more common to give thanks for deeds accomplished, for something done, for demonstration consummated. How is this? So deeply conscious was Jesus of man's perfect state that he knew Lazarus had never died; and, moreover, Jesus was so sure of man's relationship with God, and of God's presence and power, that he knew the fact of indestructible existence would be made manifest then and there; and he proved that his assurance was not without a sound basis.

Regarding this demonstration by the Master, Mrs. Eddy says that Jesus restored Lazarus because he knew that his friend had never died; and she adds, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 75), "Had Jesus believed that Lazarus had lived or died in his body, the Master would have stood on the same plane of belief as those who buried the body, and he could not have resuscitated it." Being so thoroughly aware of the facts of existence, that man is eternal and perfect, the likeness of divine Life, Jesus thanked the Father in advance for what he knew to be the truth, and for his ability to prove it. Is not this a valuable lesson for all Christian Scientists, one that may be pondered with great profit?

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