A Student of Christian Science at one time found his thinking becoming somewhat clouded. He turned in prayer to God, but even his prayer seemed empty to him. He sought to declare the truth as taught in Christian Science, but every statement seemed to be mere words.

While reading in the book of Hebrews he came upon the passage, "He that cometh to God must believe that he is." He closed the book and asked himself: "Do I really believe that God is? I talk about God and read about Him; but how real is He to me? Is He as real to me as my human mother?" The student began to ponder carefully this last question. He was very certain of the existence of his mother. He talked to her and she listened to him. She often talked to him and he listened. Furthermore, he knew that his mother loved him and would do anything for his welfare. No one could bring any doubt into his thinking as to the nature or existence of his mother. He asked himself, "Am I just as certain of the existence and love of God?" He was surprised to find that his sense of God's existence was rather indefinite. He determined instantly that he would not be a hypocrite. If he was going to be a Christian Scientist and read and talk about God, he must deal with God as the great reality and not as a vague theory or ideal abstraction. Mrs. Eddy says on page 151 of "Miscellaneous Writings," "Delay not to make Him thy first acquaintance."

This student then proceeded to talk to God as his nearest and dearest friend. He unburdened himself and asked for help and inspiration. In a few minutes he found himself realizing that he must be more unselfish about a certain matter, that he should be more conscientious about his work, and that he must be more patient and kind. Suddenly he realized that thereby God was talking to him in terms that could not be mistaken. He heeded this divine advice, and soon found himself entertaining an entirely new sense of things. As he recognized his comradeship with his heavenly Father the darkness disappeared from his thought.

One of the outstanding characteristics of the life of Christ Jesus is that God was very real to him. He talked to God, expected God to hear, and expected to hear God's answer. At one time he prayed that his cup might pass from him, but added, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." He was not hesitant in unburdening himself before his dearest friend, God. At another time he said, "I knew that thou hearest me always." Jesus was constantly in communion with God. His conscious relationship with God was very real, vital, and enduring. Jesus was so certain about the existence of God that he did not believe in the existence of sin, sickness, lack, and death. That is why he could so easily destroy these erroneous conditions through the power of God. Jesus did not hesitate when it came to asking God for help. He told Simon Peter that he prayed for him that his faith would not fail.

Our Leader likewise asked God for help, for inspiration and peace, not only for herself but for all mankind. On page 133 of "Miscellaneous Writings" she has written, "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.'" It is certainly right to ask God for blessings, just as it would be proper to ask a good friend for a favor that we know he is willing and happy to grant.

If one finds himself in need of health, supply, employment, happiness, and peace, let him turn and ask God, mankind's greatest friend, for the realization of these gifts. Let him contemplate the nature of God as divine Mind, Love, and let him listen. He will hear God's answer. Jesus once prayed, "Father, glorify thy name." And "then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." When we pray for that which it is right for all mankind to have we shall hear God assuring us that we already have that for which we have asked. Divine good is ever at hand, and true prayer tends to open our eyes that we may see it. Speaking about the place that the divine utterances of God have in our prayers, Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 411), "If Spirit or the power of divine Love bear witness to the truth, this is the ultimatum, the scientific way, and the healing is instantaneous." Let us always listen for this divine witnessing after we have asked for blessings.

Let us discard formalities and regard God as our Father-Mother. If He does not seem real to us at first, let us seek to get better acquainted with Him by communing with Him, and soon His existence, power, presence, and love will dawn upon our consciousness.

It is well to inquire whether good is more real to us than evil. Are Love, Life, and Truth more vital and real to us than hatred and error? Are Spirit and Soul more commanding than matter? Are we more certain about the presence of spiritual substance than we are of material lack and limitation? Which occupies our thinking most of the time—troublesome personalities or ideas of divine Principle? We must agree with all our heart to the declaration on page 428 of the textbook, "Life is real, and death is the illusion." In proportion as we are clear on these points God is real and vital to us, and we are tasting heaven.