Article July 9, 1938 Issue

"Trusting God with our desires"

LILLIAN M. MC CULLOUGH

On page 1 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has written, "Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds." This divinely inspired statement carries with it a wealth of unfoldment, when grasped in its full significance. Through the consecrated endeavor to heed it the student of Christian Science is doubly blessed, for better so-called human conditions inevitably follow as a result of the spiritual growth one gains through seeking "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."

But perhaps one has studied faithfully, attended church services regularly, prayed earnestly, and still a seeming problem remains unsolved. In heartfelt longing for the peace and harmony which seem to be lacking in his experience, he may be tempted by suggestions of discouragement to wonder why the demonstration is delayed. At this point it may be well for the student to look within the recesses of his own heart to find therein the reason for unanswered prayer. In James we read, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss." Self-examination may reveal our shortcomings, and show in what way we are asking amiss.

Jesus, the Way-shower, said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Are we praying for some particular thing, or for a certain condition to be brought out in our experience? Jesus' true nature was spiritual, and we likewise possess by reflection the true spiritual nature. Therefore, it would be neither wise nor consistent for one to ask God to gratify merely material desires. As the nature of man is spiritual, it follows that we can be truly satisfied only with "the fruit of the Spirit." We need to pray, as Solomon did, for "an understanding heart." In so doing we shall gain definite and practical results in outward manifestations of harmony, since what is termed the human concept must be purified, until entirely supplanted in consciousness by true ideas. But we cannot outline results, for to the earnest student of Christian Science, the better so-called human conditions can never be more than secondary to the spiritual. The real demonstration is the understanding of our at-one-ment with God, divine Principle.

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