The question is often asked by a newcomer to Christian Science, "How, according to the teachings of Christian Science, does God answer prayer?" Having left behind the concept of begging God for blessings, the prayers which often went unanswered, he looks hopefully for something more concrete. Probably the effort of the whole world is stimulated by a definite hope that some measure of success for oneself and for others will result from a provable concept of prayer. The knowledge that divine aid is available to solve one's problems and an elucidation of the method by which it may be invoked are of the greatest consequence to everyone.

A right comprehension of God is requisite to true prayer. One of the fundamental truths of Christian Science is God's immutability. This Science holds that God is invariable, unchanging good, and that He cannot be changed by prayer. Logically, then, God cannot be placated or influenced by our pertinacity in requesting or demanding things of Him. Christian Science teaches one to know the nature of God as divine Truth and Love. It teaches one to understand what the omnipotence of God means as the necessary foundation for the certain assurance of the fulfillment of that which one rightly asks of God. It shows that the moral and spiritual condition of human thought must be made ready to receive the blessings for which it asks. This preparation often requires the individual to make vigorous efforts to specifically apply the truths asserted in Christian Science.

Since the purpose of prayer is to reconcile mankind to God, it becomes our obligation to conform our way of life to the divine, to purify human consciousness, to have a more exalted desire to think and to do what is right. Such desire is based upon an earnest and honest longing for spiritual accomplishment. But one does not gain the good for which he does not labor. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "If we are not secretly yearning and openly striving for the accomplishment of all we ask, our prayers are 'vain repetitions,' such as the heathen use."  ^{Science and Health, p. 115;}

The answer to prayer, or answered prayer, is expressed in activity —in getting something done. It is noteworthy that nearly every promise in the Bible is accompanied with an obligation to be fulfilled. Did not Christ Jesus say, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"? ^{Matt. 7:7;} Then, in order to avail ourselves of God's goodness, we must be obedient to the divine demand for action. One must measure up to the fact that man is the expression of God.

As one affirms that God is divine Principle, he aligns himself with scientific prayer. Praying thus, one does not implore God to do something; rather does he bring human thought into scientific accord with divine law, the force of God's will, and expresses right desires in right actions. Then the good reflected in one's own thought and life becomes the consummate answer to his prayer. Mrs. Eddy says: "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution."  ^{Science and Health, p. 3.}

There may be times in our experience, in moments of hopelessness, when in humility we may ask God to open blind eyes. Such an appeal is an admission of the human mind's inability to see the way clearly. One admits that in his present state of progress he has not risen to grasp the spiritual ideas necessary to meet the immediate need. When one adopts this form of prayer, the petition may be directed toward God, but the demand is still upon ourselves to think rightly or righteously. The reward then comes with the prayer, the prayer of right effort, right thinking and doing. This prayer culminates in fulfillment, in realizing God's already perfect work.

True prayer enlists the power of God in our behalf and must result in demonstration. Prayer and answer are closely connected, in that right desire is blessed of God and one must act in conformity with his true desire.

Prayer is a mode of approach to God that we may all employ. It is not a mysterious process or procedure used to commune with some mystical god. Through the discovery of Christian Science there has come to mankind the truth that the real man is the expression of God, and that he lacks nothing. And learning that all good, that which is worthy and desirable, is already included in God's kingdom, one may consecrate his efforts to the gaining of that kingdom. Then the conscientious right effort of his own prayer leads to a recompense that is inevitable.