Article January 12, 1981 Issue

Inspired treatment

NORA W. SHAW

Down through the centuries people have found comfort in repeating loved Bible verses. In trials they have had their fears dispelled by holding fast to time-proven truths. At Wednesday evening testimony meetings in Churches of Christ, Scientist, it's not unusual for testifiers to use treasured quotations from both the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy. Often these played an integral part in the healing.

Inspiring as these instances are, we need to be alert that we don't get into the habit of turning to quotations as the only means of healing.

Each reaching out to God in prayer should be a quest for fresh understanding, for new insight into our unique relationship to Him. Prayer should never become rote, a dull repetition of stored-up phrases or quotations. This doesn't mean that we have to abandon favorite passages. But we certainly should resist the temptation to lean on memorized texts instead of striving for fresh perceptions.

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