The tree that grows strong and sturdy, able to withstand harsh conditions and extremes of weather, must first establish roots. The root system forms the foundation on which the tree lives.

Individuals, too, need to build foundations for growth and progress—foundations that cannot be eroded, roots that cannot be easily pulled up. How is this done? In part, through prayer, Bible study, and demonstration.

The foundation of prayer

When one prays, the act itself is an acknowledgment of the existence of a higher power. In prayer we assent to the glorious fact that the source of our true being is the Supreme Being. Prayer ultimately brings us to a recognition that life itself depends solely on God, divine Love. As we pray, we begin to understand scientifically that Spirit is the creator and that creation is therefore spiritual; that God is Mind and there is only one Mind; that divine Life is omnipotent and indestructible.

The conscious realization of spiritual truths is a rock on which to build a meaningful and productive human experience and a bench mark from which to embark on the road of spiritual regeneration. We begin our day in such prayer and take the inspiration with us from moment to moment. With the Psalmist each one can affirm in his heart: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray." ^{Ps. 55:16, 17.} This lifts life out of the mundane and beyond the merely self-centered pursuit of elusive material pleasures. We begin to see the purpose for our lives more in terms of glorifying God and fulfilling His will. The constant prayer of a life devoted to God quietly builds a solid foundation for spiritual progress.

The foundation of Bible study

Many have discovered that as they turn to the Bible and search its deeper meanings, they come to feel more tangibly the presence of God. Actually, the truth of God's omnipresence is being revealed through His inspired Word directly to the heart that seeks Him.

Students of Christian Science find the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy, to be invaluable in continuing to open up the spiritual import of both the Old and New Testaments. The lives of the prophets and devoted leaders in the Bible, the epistles of Paul and other early Christian disciples, the words and healing ministry of the Saviour, Christ Jesus—these become vital, practical examples of the same power and law of God at work today to heal and redeem. In Science and Health six basic tenets of Christian Science are listed. The first of these declares, "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life." ^{Science and Health, p. 497.}

Bible Lessons appearing in the Christian Science Quarterly provide a basis for a daily study of the Scriptures that can serve as an anchor in Truth when we are facing the challenges of the world. In our experience, from day to day, trials and temptations may confront us, the world may suggest its doubts and uncertainties about the reality of good alone; but the foundation of enlightened faith that comes through a spiritual understanding of the Bible rests on bedrock. As Jesus proclaimed, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." ^{Matt. 7:24.} No flood can wash it away.

The foundation of demonstration

One prays; he studies—then comes the demand to make this practical in one's own life and utilize what has been gained for the larger benefit of mankind. The selfless endeavor to demonstrate the power of divine law in human affairs marks the Christian standard of active, faithful discipleship. And it is a cornerstone in our own spiritual growth. As the Christian Science textbook confirms, "In order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know. We must recollect that Truth is demonstrable when understood, and that good is not understood until demonstrated." ^{Science and Health, p. 323.}

To know good, to be good, we must do good. We are even likely to find that the more good we do, the more we see how much good remains to be accomplished. But this is our Christian purpose—to do the will of God.

Jesus once portrayed those who have heard the Word of God and brought forth the bountiful fruit of demonstration as the seed received into good soil. But Jesus likened the seed falling on stony ground to those who "have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." ^{Mark 4:17.} Those without roots had not established a firm foundation of demonstration.

Demonstrating the power of infinite Love, divine Principle— healing the sick, overcoming sin, breaking the bonds of mortal limitation—this is the result of the Christ, Truth, operating in our experience. These proofs of discipleship indicate that one is building on the foundations of scientific prayer and Bible study and is willing to go up higher. He is banishing the false claims of evil because his deep study is opening his eyes to the lie of so-called life in matter— and revealing the truths of divine, immortal being and goodness.

The Bible speaks of "being rooted and grounded in love" in order to "know the love of Christ" and to "be filled with all the fulness of God." ^{Eph. 3:17, 19.} In her poem "The Oak on the Mountain's Summit" Mrs. Eddy writes:

Each of these three great elements in the foundation of Christian life—prayer, study, demonstration—is firmly rooted in Love. Each is essential. Together they provide solid, lasting evidence of our devotion to God and our unselfish affection for mankind.

WILLIAM E. MOODY

Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane and vain babblings:
for they will increase unto more ungodliness....
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,
having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.

II Timothy 2:15, 16, 19