When discussing prayer, Christ Jesus said, “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matt. 6:8). In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy phrased the concept this way: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (p. 494). She also said, “Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 149–150). It might appear that the human condition we see ourselves in is outside the reach of Spirit, God, because Spirit can’t be seen with the material senses. But this all-encompassing, all-embracing God, who loves His creation, would never allow what He creates to be cut off from His loving care.

This was brought home to me through an experience I had some years ago. I had been struggling intermittently with a digestive problem that involved considerable pain. I occasionally called a Christian Science practitioner for help through prayer when one of these bouts occurred, and each time I felt the assurance of God’s care and the unreality of any inharmonious situation. The episodes had been unsettling, but brief, and they had not resulted in any significant interruption in my work at a manufacturing company, where I was the travel coordinator.

In that capacity, I went to a southern US city for training on an airline reservation system. Since this would be an opportunity to visit some dear friends and relatives, I tacked on a week of leisure travel to the end of the trip. After several days of the class, one of these attacks came on, but this time it was not brief. I spent a day in my hotel room in considerable discomfort, which seemed to increase rather than abate. I called the practitioner, and, much to my surprise and relief, he offered to call a Christian Science nurse on my behalf, who was available to stay with me and provide practical assistance by bringing me something to eat.

The nurse helped me see that no matter how aggressive the physical sensation may be, I must not dwell on it or give it power, and she encouraged me to look away from the body and think about the spiritual ideas that Mind was sending to heal me. The hotel provided a cot for her, so that she would be available to me during the night if I needed her, and while she slept peacefully—evidently with full assurance of my safety—I began to see that I must change my focus from complaining about the pain to acknowledging God’s ever-present love and care.

By morning, there was so much improvement that I was able to dismiss the Christian Science nurse and return to class for the final exam, which I passed near the top of the class.

Feeling well enough to continue with my vacation plans, I picked up a rental car and drove to an adjoining state to spend a day with family, then drove the length of the state to visit a dear friend. During the first night at her house, however, the pain again became very aggressive. My friend was not a Christian Scientist, and I was concerned that she would feel obligated to get medical attention for me. My concerns at this point were overshadowing my conviction of quick healing, so I reached out to God for His guidance. It came to me to call a couple I knew who were steadfast Christian Scientists and lived in a town about 100 miles away. Their response was immediate, and at about 3:00 a.m. they picked me up, one driving my rental car and the other taking me in their car.

These dear ones provided supportive care in their home for several days while I worked with the practitioner. We prayed to see the unreality and powerlessness of matter’s claims to nullify Spirit’s omnipotence, as St. Paul declares (see I Cor. 2:4). Step by step, fears about not only my physical well-being but also the ability to drive back to the airport, fly home, and return to work were replaced with an enlarging assurance that I had in no way stepped outside of God’s care. When the time came, I was able to complete my journey. The airline even granted my request to sit in the first class section, where the quiet and calm were conducive to silent prayer during the flight.

By the time I returned to the office, my skin had a jaundiced appearance, which co-workers commented on. I was able to perform my duties during the day, but at night I suffered from a very high fever. After about three nights of this, I came home from work and sat down for more focused prayer. I didn’t want, nor see any need for, another night of this.

Mrs. Eddy’s statement “Destroy fear, and you end fever” came to thought (Science and Health, p. 376), so I asked myself what I was afraid of. An underlying suggestion throughout the experiences of the prior two weeks became evident. At each juncture, I had been afraid that someone would force medical attention on me, contrary to my wishes and convictions. Even at my office, I was concerned that my appearance would compel the company to insist on a medical examination.

I saw that I could stand up to this fear. I had every right to rely on spiritual means of healing through prayer. Nothing could steal that right. The concern of others couldn’t undermine that right. In my prayers that evening, I reasserted my freedom to rely on God, divine Love, with an even greater conviction that healing was not only possible but inevitable. After all, had not God been demonstrating His love and care in practical human ways through the Christian  Science nurse and friends who were there when I needed them? Would He not see me through to a complete healing?

The fear flowed away like liquid from an uncorked bottle, and I rejoiced in the sense of dominion that replaced it. That night I slept peacefully without fever or pain. In a couple of days my skin regained its normal hue. No one asked me any probing questions at the office. Indeed, they appeared to forget all about what they had wondered about a day or two before. I was healed, and the healing has been permanent.

Through prayer, our needs are met in ways that are practical, supportive, caring, wise, and perhaps unexpected. Taking a stand in Christian Science does not mean forgoing the aid and comfort we yearn for. It promotes the elevation of thought out of the seeming reality of discord, and enables us to recognize our wholeness in the light of Love’s allness.

Gail Moeller
Dayton, Ohio, US