Article September 13, 1975 Issue

Praying for Yourself

HELEN B. CHILDS

Do you pray for yourself? Do you pray for yourself every day? Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, requests her followers to do just this. "One thing I have greatly desired," she writes, "and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 127; There are rich rewards in following this behest. In fact, it can become the springboard of our day, lifting us to behold infinite possibilities for demonstrating spiritual good.

Some may wonder how to pray for themselves. And some may feel that perhaps it is a little bit selfish. Others would like to pray for themselves, but they find that the rush and busyness of everyday life crowd out the precious time they would save for themselves. And some let themselves become apathetic or indifferent, not realizing the vital importance of this prayer.

I once felt that if I spent sufficient time studying Mrs. Eddy's writings or reading the Christian Science periodicals, somehow I was doing all right for myself. Wasn't I learning more? Wasn't I imbibing the spirit of the Christ, Truth? But I have learned that there is a vast distinction between reading and deep prayer. Deep prayer requires vigilant thinking. Reading and studying are not the same as praying. No one expects to get a cake from just reading a recipe for one. There's practical application to be made before we can taste results.

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