In the struggle of the day, midst the turmoil of the world, there are many lessons to be learned, lessons of patience, self-sacrifice, service, love, and joy; but in the silent place we sometimes seem to come more easily into communion with God, and find strength and inspiration more readily. Here we learn lessons of humility and obedience, and gain a higher understanding of God and man, the real man of God's creating, spiritual and perfect.

Many a time when the Master had been absorbed in his work among men, we read that he withdrew into the desert place and prayed silently—communed with God, the source of his power; and mighty were the works he did after these seasons of prayer. If we would do the works he did, we too must at times retire from the rush and the roar of the world, and listen for the "still small voice."

It is in the quiet hour of communion with our Father that we gain a larger sense of the great realities of Life. Many a perplexing problem is thus solved, many a heavy burden thus lifted; and we come forth from the secret recess with faces aglow and hearts overflowing with gratitude for the revelations of Truth. What joy and comfort to know that we may go with all our cares to God, and be assured that He will meet our every need!

Perhaps error is saying that we have not time to go apart for a period of silent communion with God without interfering with the usual routine of our daily tasks and obligations. Are we allowing the selfish demands of others, or a false sense of responsibility on our part, to deprive us of these "little silences between," thereby hindering our spiritual progress? Many are the victories gained in these times spent apart; and however indispensable we think we are to the welfare of others, we need often to be alone with God. Then, too, we should accord this privilege to others. Are we exacting much, thoughtlessly, and occupying much of the time of those with whom we are associated? Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 133): "Three times a day, I retire to seek the divine blessing on the sick and sorrowing, with my face toward the Jerusalem of Love and Truth, in silent prayer to the Father which 'seeth in secret,' and with childlike confidence that He will reward 'openly.' In the midst of depressing care and labor I turn constantly to divine Love for guidance, and find rest." We shall do well to follow the example of our Leader, who knew the way she took. Some one has said, "To practice the art of silent prayer is to find the secret of power." The quietness, calm, and poise that come from companionship with God make us more efficient in our work, and we learn to be in the world but not of it, our ears always open to His voice.

God speaks to us in many ways and in all places when we have learned to listen. Perhaps we hear His voice through conscience, or in a cry of need; perhaps in the presentation to us of an unexpected duty, or in the routine work of the day; but it is in the silence, when other voices are dumb, that we hear the call and, like Samuel, answer, "Speak; for thy servant heareth." The habit of listening for God's voice is the basis of spiritual strength, insight, and inspiration. We must finally learn, even in the midst of storm and stress, to hear the words, "It is I; be not afraid." Then we shall more courageously steer our craft over the tempestuous wave into calmer waters. When we are hedged in on every side and know no way of escape, we must listen and hear God say, "This is the way, walk ye in it." And what a joyous sense of freedom will result! In our daily struggles to overcome the false beliefs of sin and sickness, and in our battles for purity and truth, we must watch for the promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;" then the victory will be assured.

Our Leader gives us the true concept of prayer when she tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 15) : "In order to pray aright, we must enter into the closet and shut the door. We must close the lips and silence the material senses. In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings we must deny sin, and plead God's allness. We must resolve to take up the cross, and go forth with honest hearts to work and watch for wisdom, Truth, and Love. We must 'pray without ceasing.' Such prayer is answered, in so far as we put our desires into practice." In any situation we can silently lift our thought to God, declare the truth, and receive as directly divine benediction as did Daniel in the lion's den or as did the Israelites in battle. We read in I Chronicles, "They cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him." They gained the victory "because the war was of God." The battle is not ours!

One of the beautiful silent places where rest and inspiration may be gained has been provided by the loving thought of our Leader in the Christian Science Reading Rooms, open to the public. Here the weary, the sick, and the sad who are seekers for Truth are welcomed. As a result of the loving, peaceful atmosphere of these rooms, and the unfolding of the healing Word through earnest study there, many go away with a song in their hearts, refreshed and strengthened for the work of life. How many of us, as Christian Scientists, avail ourselves of the blessed privilege of spending some of our time in the Reading Room in prayerful and thoughtful study, and of lovingly cooperating with its activities for good? This practice not only will help us but will encourage others to seek and find the truth.

As we frequent the silent places God provides, which are so necessary for our upbuilding and growth in grace, they will become more precious to us, and we shall learn to shut out of our lives all voices save that of our loving Father-Mother God, and to abide in the realm of perfect harmony.