Article September 14, 1940 Issue

"Daily Prayer"

HUGH STUART CAMPBELL

In his epistle, James stresses the sterling worth of prayer. With implicit confidence in God's response, he avers that if one is afflicted he should pray for relief. And if anyone is sick, he is urged to allow "the elders of the church" to pray for him. An abiding faith in good works resulting from prayer, shines through this practical sermon to the "twelve tribes," and a careful study of the epistle brings to this very hour the assurance that prayer is with power to heal and save. We are advised to pray in times of adversity, for "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (see James 5:3–16).

Christian Scientists, as member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, have a prayerful duty to perform, which, under the heading, "Daily Prayer," is described in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, as follows (Art. VIII, Sect. 4): "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to pray each day: 'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!"

It is to be observed that the prayer is designated twice as a daily prayer. In correct usage the word "daily" means something happening or something done each and every day. This prayer becomes a command to her followers because our Leader uses the word "shall"—"It shall be the duty;" and this obligation is gratefully assumed by every member of The Mother Church. The By-Law stands as a tribute to Mrs. Eddy's wise directing, and members of The Mother Church who make daily active use of the prayer receive abundant blessings.

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