Article July 12, 1982 Issue

The importance of praying for oneself

BETH LIPPOLDT

How many of us often think of a character fault we would certainly like to be rid of and then say to ourselves, "I know I should pray about that, and I will, but I really don't have time right now"? Recently I have learned that I can't afford not to work and pray daily for myself.

What do Christian Scientists mean when they say they are working for themselves? Mrs. Eddy explains the basic goal: "You have simply to preserve a scientific, positive sense of unity with your divine source, and daily demonstrate this."^{Pulpit and Press, p. 4.}

Christ Jesus gave us his example. He knew that he was always at one with the Father—not his physical body but his real, spiritual selfhood, the image and likeness of God. He made it plain too that his Father is also our Father. We read in Matthew, "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."^{Matt. 23:9.} This makes our relationship to God clear.