Editorial September 16, 1933 Issue

The Grace of God

W. Stuart Booth

As a fitting climax to the incomparable chapter on Prayer in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy presents the spiritual sense of that which, because Christ Jesus gave it to his disciples, is known as the Lord's Prayer. Therein the words "Give us this day our daily bread" are spiritually interpreted to mean, "Give us grace for today; feed the famished affections" (p. 17). Surely this is the bread referred to by Christ Jesus when he said to those who had followed him, "My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven," for that which is given to us of the Father, perfect Mind, Spirit, must partake of God's spiritual nature and manifest divine Love. Our daily bread, then, regarded spiritually, is the grace of God, which was manifested perfectly and practically by Christ Jesus.

Much light is shed upon this subject by the fuller meaning of the Greek word translated as "grace" in the New Testament: "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude." This, indeed, is the grace of God that not only feeds mankind's famished affections, but serves to meet every other human need as well. It is no wonder that Christ Jesus was referred to by John as one who was "full of grace and truth," for the Master realized that divine Mind, Love, is the only real influence, and he reflected or expressed God, and thus manifested spiritual influence or law in all his healing and redemptive work. Hence his life among men was one of continuous gratitude or consistent thanksgiving to and acknowledgment of God, good, as the only Father, the sole creator and governor.

When Christian Scientists employ the Lord's Prayer with its spiritual interpretation, they are in fact voicing their sincere desire in this affirmative and petitionary prayer that their affections and motives may be animated and governed by the divine influence; that they may reflect divine Mind, Love, by actively expressing the qualities of divine Love, and include in that reflection the beneficent quality of gratitude. In this prayer is the sure solvent for all problems, whether they be manifested as lack of health and harmony, as lack of peace and providence, or as lack of supply and strength. Paul wrote with the assurance of divine authority and demonstration when he said, "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

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