Have you ever grappled with a problem and been given advice by someone attempting to help, but then silently dismissed their suggestion? “That’s not what I need,” you tell yourself. “I need something more.”

That’s what I did about a year ago when I was praying for healing of a persistent pain in my lower back. I was intent on finding a solution through my practice of Christian Science by studying its textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The spiritual ideas in that book explaining the Science of being had met so many needs in my life and brought spiritual growth and healing. I was sure this time would be no different.

I started reading the chapter titled “Christian Science Practice” but stopped after a few minutes. I felt nothing. I’d read those words so many times, but this time there didn’t seem to be anything inspiring coming through. At that point I put the book aside, closed my eyes, and prayed to God with all my heart, “What more do I need?”