“What? How dare you!”

That was my reaction as a teenager after learning in a Sunday School class about a By-Law of my church—the Church of Christ, Scientist—that states, “The prayers in Christian Science churches shall be offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively” (Mary Baker Eddy, Manual of The Mother Church, p. 42). I wanted to decide on my own what to pray about. I actually got up and walked out of the Sunday School, fuming in the parking lot while waiting for my ride home. Only years later did it occur to me that Christian Science Sunday Schools and church services (including Wednesday testimony meetings) typically last about an hour—so I could have every other hour in my week to pray about whatever I choose. But on that particular day, I was outraged. I think I was looking for a reason to find fault with the church. Thankfully, I got over that.

I love the mutual support and love of my church family, even though we don’t always agree with one another.