Article June 17, 1985 Issue

Pray expectantly

JOHN LINDSAY RENNIE

Questions one frequently hears from those new to Christian Science or unfamiliar with its teachings are: "How does one pray?" "How does one talk to God?" "Where do I find the right words to express myself to Him?"

Probably the greatest difficulty in respect to prayer comes from inadequacy in expressing oneself spiritually while one is limited to the use of material terms. We must grow in the language of Spirit, even though at first it may seem like a new tongue. As we learn to spiritualize thought, however, this new tongue is not difficult to master. In Colossians Paul asks his Christian readers to pray "that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ." Col. 4:3. Actually, the words we use in our prayers are of small consequence to God. What our words do, they do for us. They direct our thoughts in the right direction; and eventually to revelation not found through human understanding.

Many of Christ Jesus' prayers to God were humble petitions. He prayed, "Not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42. When we pray, our motive should be carefully considered. We should ask, "Is this a prayer of need or a prayer of want?" It is sometimes possible that we pray for something we do not really want, in order to ease our conscience, or to be noticed by others.

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