Article September 9, 2013 Issue

Progress for every student

Gayle Weber

In my first two years as a schoolteacher, I became aware of how valuable prayer is in the activity of a classroom. I don’t mean formal words spoken out loud, which are sometimes the subject of controversy in schools and are often equated with “real” prayer. 

Through my study of Christian Science, I’ve learned that prayer is the humble knowing and affirmation of God’s presence and our gratitude for it. And this can be freely practiced in our experience, at any time. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy tells us: “Thoughts unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds” (p. 1).

I knew as I began my first year of teaching that this kind of spiritual desire and trust in God would lead and heal in every situation.