Article May 2, 1994 Issue

Prayer heals fear and pain

Marian Cates

Some may wonder how prayer alone can heal the body. While it's true that many people believe that God reaches into human lives to uplift, to save, and, on occasion, to heal, most of them believe in using nonspiritual means as adjuncts to prayer. But Christian Science treatment excludes the use of material medicine. Why? Because using such medicine implies belief in a material power outside of God.

Following the First Commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3), Christian Scientists recognize God, Spirit, as the only real power. Therefore they seek healing through spiritual means alone. And because they've found prayer effective in meeting their health needs, they feel confident in turning to God and relying on Him completely.

When we turn to God as our Physician, we turn away from material ways and means. Mrs. Eddy explains in Science and Health: "It is impossible to work from two standpoints. If we attempt it, we shall presently 'hold to the one, and despise the other.' " And a little further on, she continues, "Mortals entreat the divine Mind to heal the sick, and forthwith shut out the aid of Mind by using material means, thus working against them-selves and their prayers and denying man's God-given ability to demonstrate Mind's sacred power" (Science and Health, p. 182).