Article September 13, 1975 Issue

How Do We Pray?

CLARA HAGENLOCHER

Many of us, at one time or another, may have felt that we didn't know how to pray. But isn't it good to know that sometimes we are praying, not even realizing that we are?

The longing to do better and to be better is a prayer. Every sincere effort to do one's best is a prayer. Every desire to help others, to give of ourselves, to build a better world, is a prayer. However, only when we acknowledge that every pure desire, every good thought, every right motive and act, has its source in God, the origin of all good, are we on firm ground.

Christian Science teaches that our prayers are answered, or fulfilled, as we put our right desires into practice. For instance, whenever we put off a limited concept of ourselves and our capabilities through an understanding of man's God-given completeness, we are putting our prayer for spiritual growth and progress into practice. And as we recognize that we have talents and abilities we haven't developed as yet, the way is opened for improved human conditions. Utilizing the power of prayer to activate our unused potential to do good helps eliminate from our experience self-pity, self-depreciation, loneliness, and boredom.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"Pray without ceasing"