Article February 15, 1930 Issue

True Prayer

BURT S. GALE

It is not unusual to hear someone ask, "How shall I pray?" This is a question demanding careful and earnest study; for prayer must be of the heart, carrying with it the deep and sacred purpose that at once arrests the thought from seeking material ends, or from the many hazardous longings of the flesh. The so-called human mind is prone to be ever seeking mortal gratifications, even to the extent of resorting to prayer to gain them, thus sacrificing many spiritual opportunities.

The question often arises concerning the value of petitions to God; and inasmuch as we are striving to be Christian Scientists, we surely are desirous of comprehending and attaining the highest sense of prayer. So it may be asked, Since God is everywhere, all-loving, all-acting, and all-knowing, why should we petition Him? It is the thought of many that we should make strong protests and denials against error and likewise strong and positive affirmations of the truth. Both of these are necessary; but to confine thought to denials and affirmations, without the spiritual inspiration which comes from reaching out humbly to God, may impress thought with a sense of limitation and, possibly, savor of cold ritualism.

Is not true prayer from the yearnings of a heart that is seeking to know more of the love of God and to keep in closest communion with Him? Is this the object, the aim of our prayers? It would seem that we often fall far short of what enters into this true sense of prayer. There is not a moment when we are not in need of divine guidance. Could it for an instant be said to be erroneous to ask our loving heavenly Father for what we truly need? Are we beyond the child who seeks its parent for aid in its desires? The child goes to the parent to gain its wishes ; and when its desires are right, he finds them readily granted.

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