Article November 8, 1952 Issue

HEALING PRAYER

JANE GARAGHTY JENKINS

Prayer is the method whereby we may commune with God. This holy means of approaching our Father meets the need of everyone, whatever his degree of faith and understanding.

The first stage of approach to God through prayer may be one of supplication or petition. With the application and unfoldment of spiritual understanding a greater sense of the divine presence is gained, and prayer naturally becomes affirmative. With our increasing assurance of the oneness, or unity, of God and man prayer becomes a holy acknowledgment of the divine All-presence. The spiritual understanding of the divine allness demonstrates the actuality of Truth, which because of its infinite nature is in a certain sense a denial to all error.

The Lord's Prayer establishes the true basis for all Christian communion. Students of Christian Science will recall that Mary Baker Eddy states in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 16): "Our Master taught his disciples one brief prayer, which we name after him the Lord's Prayer. Our Master said, 'After this manner therefore pray ye,' and then he gave that prayer which covers all human needs." This is the greatly loved Lord's Prayer, to which Mrs. Eddy has given that beautiful spiritual interpretation known to all students of Christian Science. It is this prayer and its spiritual interpretation which is so helpful in the practice and demonstration of Christian Science.

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