Article August 4, 1973 Issue

Spiritualizing thought through unceasing prayer

ARTHUR P. WUTH

Spiritual healing requires spirituality. This statement is obvious, and its import is stressed throughout the teachings of Christian Science. In searching for what Mary Baker Eddy has written on the subject of how we can improve our healing ability we are uniformly reminded: Successful healing is directly related to spirituality. She sums this up in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "We approach God, or Life, in proportion to our spirituality, our fidelity to Truth and Love; and in that ratio we know all human need and are able to discern the thought of the sick and the sinning for the purpose of healing them." ^{Science and Health, p. 95;}

Our part in fulfilling the long-range healing goal of our Church is to strengthen our healing ability. Since individual spiritual development is essential to this, what are the practical steps we can take to achieve it?

Spirituality is a state of consciousness. Are we more conscious of Spirit than matter? Do we take a spiritually-minded approach to people, circumstances, events? Are we becoming less sensitive to the demands, the distractions, the pleasures and pains of materialism? A frank observation by Mrs. Eddy explains what is needed: "It is their materiality that clogs the progress of students, and 'this kind goeth not forth but by prayer and fasting.'" ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 156;}