How often uncertainty in decision-making is felt today! Should one act in one way or another way, accept or not accept an offer, stay or not stay in a job, a house, or a location? In some form or another it seems that dilemmas sometimes face us all.

Can prayer resolve such human problems? Many testify that it can and does. Through the centuries there have been outstanding examples of guidance received through communion with God. The Bible tells of prophets and apostles who prayed—brought their dilemmas to God—and were directed.

Samuel prayed and, through the recognition of the superiority of spiritual values over human experience, was guided to anoint as king the youngest of Jesse's sons (see I Sam. 16). Through prayer Peter became aware of the impartial love of God and His universal saving grace and, through this spiritual idea, was guided to carry the message of Christ Jesus to Gentiles in Caesarea, with the result that "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." ^{Acts 10:44;}

Through the clear vision of spiritual truth the great figures of New and Old Testaments were confident of receiving God's guidance in human affairs. Today, scientific prayer is increasingly effective in providing unerring guidance in dilemmas of modern living. The experiences of former years were not haphazard. They point to a divine law of guidance all may use with certainty. And Christian Science reveals this law.

Mrs. Eddy consistently sought and received spiritual guidance in solving personal problems and establishing her Church. She proved in her own experience the truth of her words: "As the children of Israel were guided triumphantly through the Red Sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear,—as they were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human hopes, and anticipating the promised joy,—so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God." ^{Science and Health, p. 566;}

This great modern religious leader recognized the power that guided the great religious leader of three thousand years before. The spiritual idea of indestructible being, of dignity and freedom, self-government and plenty, had been revealed to Moses as the birthright of God's people. And now the Christ, the idea of divine Life, of God-derived health and of the government of divine Principle, had been revealed to her anew and was guiding her in establishing the Church that would liberate the world from the miseries of mortal belief.

Such examples of reliance upon spiritual guidance, examples affecting the destinies of multitudes, must encourage expectancy of divine direction in individual affairs. No dilemma is so complex that spiritualization of thought cannot solve it, no question so trivial that the law of divine direction cannot be applied to it.

The solution to human problems, both great and small, can always be found by seeking the spiritual idea that underlies the specific situation and recognizing that it is already established in Mind. Is it a question of whether to accept or not to accept an offer of employment? Christian Science shows that the spiritual idea underlying this human dilemma is that God is the eternal employer. He creates each individual for His glory, gives each one the qualities of His nature, and provides the opportunities for expressing them so that His purpose for the universe may be fulfilled. Recognition of this spiritual truth will lead to unerring direction in making the right human decision.

Is the question whether to change houses or redesign the present one? Christian Science explains that home is spiritual, including ideas and qualities of Love—spiritual peace and comfort, warmth, hospitality, and freedom of expression. Family requirements can all be recognized in terms of spiritual qualities. All these qualities belong to God, the Father, and are reflected by each of His offspring. Understanding and demonstration of this spiritual idea will guide into the establishment of home in accommodations rightly located and appointed to suit the needs of every member of the family.

Even the trivial dilemmas of household management can be resolved through realization of the spiritual idea. The understanding that God's government of the home is supreme, and the certainty that He supplies at the right moment every spiritual idea needed to satisfy all the legitimate needs of a loving, generous, and hospitable family, will surely lead to a decision which will be just right.

Mrs. Eddy assures us: "Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee. Therefore despair not nor murmur, for that which seeketh to save, to heal, and to deliver, will guide thee, if thou seekest this guidance." ^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 149, 150.}

Naomi Price