Article October 29, 1984 Issue

The role of prayer in responsible parenting

JAYNE ANN MOODY

Every parent wants to feel sure about the well-being of the children entrusted to his care. Through the recognition of man's identity as the expression of God, our outward experience is brought safely under the control of divine law. We begin to see that the law of Love undergirds all harmonious action. And this law is constant, invariable, and universal.

Understanding these ideas, at least in part, responsible parents may discover that there is something beyond the conventional methods of medicine and psychology to turn to in the care of their children as well as for themselves. They are gaining access to the spiritual dimension of prayer. Prayer can reveal to both parent and child the power of spiritually based thinking; and children can be taught to heal themselves through prayer and to value spiritual growth. "It is possible," Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "—yea, it is the duty and privilege of every child, man, and woman,—to follow in some degree the example of the Master by the demonstration of Truth and Life, of health and holiness."^{ Science and Health, p. 37.}

The method of this demonstration may be learned by turning to the example of Christ Jesus. The Master's way with children was serene and sure, neither coddling nor harsh. It was an evidence of divine Love and not a technique. He read the human heart—as in the case of the young man who was unable to give up his worldliness to follow the Master. He also healed—as for example, Jairus's daughter, whom he raised from death.^{ See Matt. 19:16–22 and Mark 5:22–24, 35–42 .}And Jesus assured his students that the ability to heal was not a divine dispensation meant for him alone.

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