No. Christian Scientists don’t ignore these challenges. Instead, they face them in a spiritual way—through prayer and a deeper understanding of God’s care, rather than relying on material methods. This approach is overcoming sickness through prayer.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, wrote:
Become conscious for a single moment that Life and intelligence are purely spiritual, – neither in nor of matter, – and the body will then utter no complaints.
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 14:12-15
For Christian Scientists, healing begins by staying alert to negative or ungodly thoughts and replacing them with spiritual truths. This prayer-based method offers a way of overcoming sickness, fear, and limitation by recognizing health as God-given and spiritual.
Not just overcoming sickness
Mary Baker Eddy also explained from her study of the Bible that:
Divine Truth, Life, and Love gave Jesus authority over sin, sickness, and death.
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 26:14-16
Following Jesus’ example, Christian Scientists seek healing by relying on God as the source of strength, peace, and wholeness. We believe that health is natural to everyone as God’s image and likeness. This understanding of divine Love makes overcoming sickness through prayer a living, practical reality.
Jesus never gave diseases power by naming them or focusing on symptoms. Instead, he banished sickness with spiritual authority, showing that God’s truth and love are more powerful than illness or limitation.
Learn more about how healing prayer is practiced in Christian Science.
Christian Science Healing Testimonies
There are thousands of recorded healings in the Bible and in Christian Science publications. Many Christian Science healings have occurred simply by reading the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. This book is considered her primary work and a companion to the Bible. It explains the spiritual basis of healing, rather than just overcoming sickness through prayer. It includes in-depth explanations of spiritual healing, commentaries on Genesis and Revelation, and is central to the weekly Christian Science Bible Lesson. A special chapter called Fruitage contains dozens of first-hand healing testimonies from those who experienced physical, emotional, and moral healing through prayer alone.
Beyond the book, Christian Science healing accounts continue to be shared today. Thousands of verified testimonies are published in The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, and on JSH-Online (Christian Science periodicals online). These testimonies show healing of many types of conditions—ranging from injuries and illnesses to depression, grief, and addiction. Each story demonstrates how prayer and turning to God can bring tangible results.
Support on your spiritual journey
You’ll also find ongoing support for your spiritual journey at Christian Science churches and Reading Rooms. Churches hold services twice weekly, including a Sunday service and a Wednesday evening testimony meeting where attendees share personal accounts of healing. Listening to these testimonies can be uplifting and provide encouragement in your own practice of prayer.
Reading Rooms—open at varied hours depending on the location—are public spaces where anyone can stop by to read, study, or ask questions. They provide access to the Bible, Science and Health, Bible study guides, and a wide variety of Christian Science publications. Friendly staff are always glad to help newcomers explore spiritual resources or answer questions.
If you’d like to learn more or speak directly with someone, please email us at community@prayerthatheals.org or call your local church, Reading Room, or a Christian Science Practitioner. We would love to support you in discovering the power of prayer and the healing love of God.
