Editorial May 16, 1983 Issue

Let prayer lead the way

DeWITT JOHN

How often it is that we face an occasion of some importance to us ... maybe an interview with the boss concerning our job ... a driver's test or a school exam ... a talk with a teen-ager about social behavior ... a critical meeting to resolve some intensely disputed issue. Naturally we're apt to give the matter some thought ahead of time; but do we recognize the vital importance of specific prayer?

In the Bible the prophet Samuel faced a major decision—to choose a new king for Israel. Under the Lord's direction he was prompted to meet with Jesse, who had eight eligible sons. But how to choose among them? The very first instruction that came to him through spiritual listening was, "Fill thine horn with oil."^{I Sam. 16:1.} In the Christian Science textbook, Mary Baker Eddy gives the symbolic spiritual meaning in Scripture of "oil" as: "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration."^{Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 592.} The result of Samuel's inspiration and prayer was the clear choice of David.

Christian Science opens to us the opportunity and the means of prayerful preparation. And how many times the result has been an unmistakable atmosphere of heavenly peace, a sense of the divine presence, and the emergence of a result better than that of mortal opinions, planning, or outlining.

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