Article December 21, 1981 Issue

Getting acquainted with God through prayer

JOAN P. STOTLER

Getting to know God better is the most worthwhile endeavor we can ever set out to accomplish. It takes effort on our part, but the fruits of this work outweigh all material wealth. Any inharmony we experience, any failure to help and heal, goes directly back to an insufficient understanding of God. Opportunities to become acquainted with the divine nature come to us daily. Learning to utilize these occasions can improve every aspect of existence.

This knowledge of God, Spirit, can never be gained through the material senses. Communication from our dear Father-Mother is evident only as we silence the clamor of material sense that would distract thought. Then, through spiritual sense, God makes Himself known to us. We must become true listeners, guarding against telling God and instead letting Him impart this understanding to us.

One of the Beatitudes states that purity is the basis for discerning God. As Christ Jesus put it, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."^{Matt. 5:8.} We should ask, What is the motive behind our speech or action? The need is to establish a higher standard for ourselves through purity, and this effort brings sure rewards. Mrs. Eddy says, "Nothing aside from the spiritualization —yea, the highest Christianization—of thought and desire, can give the true perception of God and divine Science, that results in health, happiness, and holiness."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 15.}

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Getting acquainted with God through prayer

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access