Editorial March 16, 1981 Issue

Practitioner and patient—before the call

NATHAN A. TALBOT

Treatment can be more effective and healing more substantial if something takes place in the thought of both the caller and the healer prior to their initial contact. In Christian Science, the coming together of patient and practitioner (whether through a letter, a phone call, or an office visit) should be something of a demonstration of Mind on the part of both individuals. This is such an important relationship that it deserves to be God-inspired rather than simply a matter of convenience or expedience or personal preference. This guidance may come in a moment; sometimes, however, it may take some very thoughtful consideration.

It is natural for a practitioner to pray regularly and perceptively for his or her practice. It's likely that such care for the healing work will include the spirit of Christ Jesus' words: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me .... No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him."^{John 6:37, 44.} The Christian healer has a genuine desire to listen closely to God's guidance and to follow His direction in accepting and treating cases. The practitioner is conscious of Mrs. Eddy's provision in the Manual of The Mother Church, leaving the selection of a patient to the practitioner's wisdom.^{See Man., Art. XXVII, Seel. 4 .}

Preparing the way for the practitioner-patient relationship, however, is not all on one side. The patient has his part to do. Actually, he is doing much when he recognizes that the call or visit he makes is not merely a routine or mechanical act. In fact, each call ought to be backed by a divine impulse, a willingness to trust the divine Mind for guidance, to the very best of his understanding and ability.

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Practitioner and patient—before the call

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