Article August 2, 1952 Issue

LET US PRAY

SUSAN F. CAMPBELL

When a student takes up the study of Christian Science he discovers that Mary Baker Eddy begins her great work, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," with a chapter on Prayer. He may read it thoughtfully and be interested, but he has little concept of what it will do for him as he puts its teachings into daily use; for then he finds that this chapter makes great demands on him in order that he may pray and live scientifically.

In the opening words of this chapter the author tells us. "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God, —a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love." To many who came to him for healing, Jesus spoke of this absolute faith. He said to the woman who had proved her deep repentance and been released from sin (Luke 7:50), "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." And to another woman, who was healed of a physical difficulty which had distressed her for twelve years, he said (Matt. 9:22), "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." Jesus could not have expected great spiritual understanding of those who came for healing, but he did expect that faith which Mrs. Eddy indicates is an integral part of prayer.

In this wonderful first chapter of Science and Health, which constitutes a lesson on prayer, our Leader among other things tells us what prayer is, what constitutes unceasing prayer, and what must accompany prayer, and gives a beautiful explanation of Jesus' prayers. She also shows us what we should avoid in prayer.

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