Article April 15, 1985 Issue

Effective prayer

GEORGE PAUL KEMNITZ

Reaching out to God in prayer is an instinctive impulse in every Christian heart. "Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy?" writes Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health. "The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love." Science and Health, p. 265. No sincere, heartfelt petition to God, who is Love, ever returns void. No matter what the situation, or how hopeless things may seem to be, we are never out of reach of our heavenly Father. To everyone, everywhere, at all times, God is at hand.

The most simple faith—even "as a grain of mustard seed"— in the power of God to heal is sufficient to bring release. A mustard seed is a tiny seed, but in itself it is whole. Though our faith may be small, through devout, honest effort it will grow into a full realization of our true nature as God's perfect likeness. "There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding," Job 32:8. we read in Job.

Intuitively, one who prays feels the need to know more about God—what He is, where He is, and man's relationship to Him. The definition of God in Science and Health helps answer these questions. It reads: "God. The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence." Science and Health, p. 587. All these terms, singly or together, mean God to the student of Christian Science. In striving to pray effectively we work for that awakening in consciousness that shows what God really is and reveals man as His perfect reflection.

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No lost love
April 15, 1985
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