"A wise and an understanding heart"

ALTON N. SWETT

It is recorded in I Kings that "Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father." His humble and sincere desire must have been uppermost in his thinking, for God "appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee." Instead of asking for material power, life, or possessions, Solomon prayed, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" This prayer for wisdom, humility, guidance, and spiritual discernment was truly answered, for God promised him "a wise and an understanding heart," as well as riches, honor, and long life.

The prayer for "a wise and an understanding heart" is constantly being offered by those serving as Readers in Christian Science churches and societies. Their desire is so to purify and elevate their own thinking that the Word may be read and heard with understanding.

Readers in Christian Science churches occupy a position which requires constant spiritual alertness and undeviating loyalty to God. Our Leader writes in the Church Manual (Art. III, Sect. 1), "They must keep themselves unspotted from the world,—uncontaminated with evil,—that the mental atmosphere they exhale shall promote health and holiness, even that spiritual animus so universally needed." Their lives should exemplify the application of Christian Science in their daily activities. Mrs. Eddy has written in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 249), "What our churches need is that devout, unselfed quality of thought which spiritualizes the congregation." And all who occupy this office, as well as others, should study that inspired article, addressed "To a First Reader" (ibid., p. 247), in which our Leader points out the need of Christlikeness, purity of thought, "tender persuasion," spiritual receptivity, and "self-forgetful, patient, unfaltering tenderness."

We are all familiar with the care which a shepherd takes of his flock. He is ever faithful, and constantly alert to protect it. He guides it into green pastures and by fresh streams of water. Jesus likened the Christ to a good shepherd. We learn in Christian Science that the Christ is always present, revealing God, and man in His image and likeness. This truth is set forth in each service in all Christian Science churches. What a privilege to voice the truth which heals the sick and saves the sinner, as it did in Jesus' time!

As thought is elevated above sense to the realm of Soul, a Reader will find that the message which is given forth by him heals. His prayers are for an awakening from false beliefs; for loving, consecrated desire to follow the teachings of Truth, that the awareness of God's presence may heal.

A true sense of at-one-ment with God should permeate the thought of the Reader. As he sees man's complete at-oneness with the Father, he reads the message with conviction and understanding. Knowing his own at-one-ment with God helps him to be receptive to the ideas of divine Mind. Thus is he led to make a wise choice of hymns, Scriptural readings, and benedictions for the Sunday services, and also of selections for the Wednesday meetings. According to his radical reliance on divine Mind will he find his needs amply supplied.

The love and impersonal prayers of all members should support the Readers, and the constant prayer of both Readers will be, "Not my will, but thine, be done." Their obedience, love, and faith will be their protection. Their desire to serve will enable them to bring much to those who attend the services. The Readers should walk so closely with God that their thoughts forward the healing work in the Christian Science services. Consecration enables them to prove the truths of Christian Science. In this way alone can they fulfill in the highest sense Jesus' precious trust, "Feed my sheep." Divine Love does bless the desire for "a wise and an understanding heart."

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Progress Is Joyous!

January 28, 1939

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