An important part of religious study is asking oneself, "What does any part or all of what I'm studying have to do with me? How can I be a more enlightened, constructive individual because I have read and truly understood the material presented? How can I use it to pray scientifically for someone in need of help? How does it shed light for me on how to solve some problem in the world today?" In other words, one should study in such a way as to make it an inspirational experience and to have it become a platform on which to make daily individual demonstrations of spiritual power.

Students of Christian Science, who daily study the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, are aware of the great importance these lessons have for the prosperity of the movement. It is clear that more than a casual reading of the Bible and the correlative citations in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy is required to realize the spiritual growth and the practical blessings such daily study can bring. A constantly searching attitude is essential.

All students, including the young people, can start off on a true adventure when they search the Lesson-Sermon for its deeper meanings. Spiritual ideas often become more apparent when students ask themselves what relation each section of the lesson has to the basic subject. What facet of the subject are the citations meant to illustrate? Why were they chosen for this particular lesson? A single word used repeatedly in any section can give them a clue, or maybe a basic idea will start them following the mental trail. Whatever the key that opens the lesson to their spiritual perception, its unfoldment brings a joyous sense of progress.

Christ Jesus frequently taught in parables, but those who listened to him with understanding realized that his lessons were not abstract stories but illustrated fundamental truths he wanted them to apply to their own lives. The story of the prodigal son, for example, suggests many moral interpretations. An angry father inclined to be unforgiving toward a child who has gone hippie could learn a lesson from it. So could an erring son who might not realize that repentance and reformation can result in a completely new life. An envious brother who sees only what he regards as a wrong condoned is reminded differently by what the father in the parable says, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." ^{Luke 15:31;}

The Christian Science Lesson-Sermons never follow a rigid pattern but are prepared with inspiration each time they are compiled. The twenty-six subjects cover a vast area of thought. Mrs. Eddy designated them and established them for all time. At the same time that they expose the fallacies of material thinking they explore the reality of spiritual being.

Many students find it helpful to have reference books at hand while studying the lesson. Bible commentaries shed light on the historical conditions and background against which the words of the Bible may be more clearly understood.

Good dictionaries are invaluable aids in studying Science and Health. Mrs. Eddy was precise in her choice of words; she chose those that would most clearly convey the spiritual import of her tremendous discovery. It is therefore wise to understand these words in their fullest meaning. A few moments spent in reviewing definitions of unfamiliar or, sometimes, even familiar words, may frequently be most illuminating.

In answer to the question "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" Mrs. Eddy writes, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit." ^{Science and Health, p. 495.} This is just the opening sentence of her response, but it contains a most important admonition to all her students. One does not have to have advanced intellectual proficiency to study the letter, but to imbibe the spirit, one does have to be a receptive, humble student.

What a great blessing the Bible and the textbook, Science and Health, bestow in their function as sacred tools for our study! Equipped with the wisdom we learn from them, we are prepared to meet the problems of daily experience. Emergencies become opportunities to be challenged with the assurance we gain from our study. A loving God and a perfect, spiritual man, made in His image and likeness, become vital realities to the student of Christian Science.

The daily spiritual food in the lesson should be taken without a sense of pressure or hurry. We do not gobble a meal down as quickly as possible just for the sake of eating. The unhurried imbibing of the truth enlarges the student's understanding of his genuine, spiritual selfhood. Insofar as he permits himself to digest the truth calmly, it enables him to overcome the attacks of mortal error, or the carnal mind.

Physical scientists persistently search for clues to the enlargement of a basic premise that they may have glimpsed and that can lead to greater discovery. Metaphysical scientists search for spiritual ideas that lead to the goal of beholding and progressively proving man's perfection. And this search is worth all the intensive, dedicated study we can give it. Our Lesson-Sermons open channels of thought for each earnest student of Christian Science to explore. They provide the inspiration that leads to greater understanding, which, in turn, leads to demonstration, the proof of our individual spiritual growth.