About a year ago, I began having discomfort in my back. This continued for a week or so, but I put off praying about it because the pain was not bad, and I was very busy with a new job. I had never had back problems before, so I was not concerned—until I awoke late one night in extreme discomfort. I attempted to get up but was doubled over from the pain. 

My immediate thought was, “How will I be able to go to work in the morning?” I didn’t think my employer would appreciate my missing work so soon after starting. I contacted a Christian Science practitioner for metaphysical treatment. She texted me a few moments later, encouraging me to let go of my burdens and relax in God’s love. She also suggested praying with a hymn by John Newton, which concludes with this verse:

As a little child relies
On a care beyond its own,
Being neither strong nor wise,
Will not take a step alone,
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Friend, and Guide.
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 291, adapt. © CSBD)