One of the Psalms begins, "My heart is inditing a good matter;" but this translation does not indicate well the meaning of the original, which has reference to something irrepressible that is bubbling up like the waters of a spring. Hence, a more graphic translation would be as given by a student of the Hebrew, "My heart o'erflows with pleasant thought." That phrasing would be a very good description of the refreshment which comes to one's nature when he occupies himself in true prayer.

Prayer embodies the assertion of the true nature of man, and is always a process of reminding one's self that God is great and good, "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." In his struggle with unreality it is by means of prayer that one gains the recognition of reality; and by means of that recognition he gains rest of mind, peace, and comfort. The phrase "O rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him" is remembered by many in its musical setting, so often have they heard the words sung in oratorio. At each hearing it seems more beautiful. The word which in the Scripture was translated "rest" has a meaning in the original which is worth considering. The thought of the first writer was intended to be that of becoming "silent" before God. When we apprehend this attitude we are able to maintain a stillness and a sense of stability while the phantasmagoria of mortal mind passes by—the moving picture of sorrow and grief, if it be that; the play-acting of persecution and hate, if it be that until it is as if a curtain comes down upon all scenes of unpleasantness and we walk again in the light of day.

It is instructive to know how Christian Scientists are taught regarding prayer by both the precept and example of the Leader of the movement. Mrs. Eddy says regarding her own habit (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 220), "Each day I pray: 'God bless my enemies; make them Thy friends; give them to know the joy and the peace of love."

When we read the Psalms, in fact, when we read human history, we perceive that the attitude and action of "enemies" seems to be a disturbing influence in human lives. Far too many have in the form of prayer been engaged in ill wishing or in expressing vindictiveness to opponents. In the theological teaching of warring sects, and in some of the "imprecatory psalms," there has been too much invoking of the lightning and the storm; but even as the prophet found his nearness to God in the silence, so must the Christian find his nearness to divine Principle through entire relief in his own thought from any sense of calling down a curse upon persons, no matter what they do. The teaching of Jesus was a corrective for all the misconceptions of "them of old time;" and in this new time, under the inspiration of Christian Science, we are discerning how to carry out both the spirit and the letter of the teachings of Christ Jesus as never before in the world's history. What is before us Mrs. Eddy most beautifully unfolds when she says (ibid., p. 124), "The fruition of friendship, the world's arms outstretched to us, heart meeting heart across continents and oceans, bloodless sieges and tearless triumphs, the 'well done' already yours, and the undone waiting only your swift hands,—these are enough to make this hour glad."

It is said of Martin Luther that when he had severe trials and when he was engaged in the most bitter struggles, he would spend more, and still more, of his hours in prayer; and thus he was able to realize beforehand the victory which eventually came. And so to-day the one who is engaged in Christian work and meets perversions of his doings and animadversions against his character, can in prayer reach out for restoration and renewal to the ever present God of his salvation, to that saving and healing Principle which in character and essence is Love.

The Psalmist spoke of the sad fate of "all the nations that forget God;" and the inference is that it would be well for citizens of the world to feel the need for correcting their wandering desires, their sense of ease and luxury, and to turn their thought clearly and definitely to Spirit, that they may find the guidance of divine Mind and inspiration from God, who is Love. The individual standing alone may not sufficiently value the power of prayer, which is really right desire. A good thinker once said that men should carefully consider their desires in youth, because in old age that which they desired would be pouring in upon them. Of the Pharisees who wanted public praise and approbation, Jesus said, "They have their reward." It is likewise true that the humble and honest minds who are seeking the welfare of mankind, likewise have their praying, a seeing humanity advancing. And so it will go well with the world as there comes among men, through their praying, a greater unity of faith and desire whereby all may receive God's answering blessings.

The press generally is too much engaged to-day in laying heavy burdens upon men's minds, as if human beings were incurably perverse, as if crime were a growing destructive power, as if statesmen and leaders and teachers were unaware of the beauty of brotherhood, as if the heart of humanity were devoid of kindness. Against these misconceptions must arise the prayer of faith which is healing in its nature. As a result of their refreshment by prayer men and women must find themselves able to "undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free." Paul in writing to the Romans expressed his thankfulness that their faith was "spoken of throughout the whole world." So throughout the whole world the message of Christianity has gone, and the revival of its practical healing power is in this day widely known. It behooves the Christian Scientist, then, to remember to pray for the whole world, especially in the light of the statement from Mrs. Eddy's pen (Miscellany, p. 222), "Mankind will be God-governed in proportion as God's government becomes apparent, the Golden Rule utilized, and the rights of man and the liberty of conscience held sacred."

Copyright, 1930, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Falmouth and St. Paul Streets, Boston, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.