Editorial February 5, 1996 Issue

Spontaneity and healing

Mark Swinney

"After this manner therefore pray ye," Christ Jesus said, and then he began, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9). The "Lord's Prayer," as it has since been named, brings to light so much—God's power and glory, the immediacy of His kingdom, the way God feeds us each day with His message of love and goodness, the potential of His will in our lives.

The Lord's Prayer—and any healing prayer—raises thought to a higher understanding of God, divine Spirit. Prayer that leads to understanding and grace illustrates Jesus words "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10). It is the spiritual understanding of God's inspired message that helps and heals. The words may be familiar, yet the truth behind them is always new and powerful. "When ye pray, use not vain repetitions," instructed Jesus (Matt. 6:7).

Although the human mind sometimes loves sameness, it is the freshness of God's infinite creation that is truly engaging. "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love," writes Mary Baker Eddy (Science and Health, p. 66). If "each successive stage of experience unfolds" new perspectives, then no one should be satisfied to stop with whatever he or she learned yesterday. Along with today's experience comes—without fail—the opportunity to embrace something fresh and healing, a new insight about God and His expression. Yesterday's inspiration may have certainly been wonderful, yet it really is just the foundation for what we can discover and see today. Someone once said that it doesn't matter one bit if you are on the right track if all you do is just sit there.

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