Article June 8, 1974 Issue

Pray with Expectancy

JOHN OGILVIE HORNE

Christ Jesus once told his disciples, "Have faith in God." And then he told them that if they believed and did not doubt, they would have those things they desired in their prayers. And he continued, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:22-24; Have we such faith? Do we expect God to answer our prayers? Or do we doubt?

Christ Jesus expected his prayers to be answered. He prayed with such expectancy that even before the answer was apparent humanly he gave thanks to God that his prayer had been heard. This was the case when he multiplied the loaves and fishes. See Matt. 15:36; His spiritual vision saw what was hidden to human sense. This too was evident when he called Lazarus from the tomb. His words, spoken aloud to God, expressed expectancy and gratitude: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." John 11:41, 42; And his prayer was answered immediately, for when Jesus called him forth, Lazarus came forth.

Expectancy of good comes from absolute faith in the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, good, and from absolute obedience to Truth. Mrs. Eddy writes, "Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength." Science and Health, p. 183; Expectancy of good involves obedience, meekness, gratitude, and joy.

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