May 2 is a National Day of Prayer. It’s an annual day of observance in the U.S. shared by people of many faiths, including Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus. Perhaps you will find this an opportunity, throughout your day, to remind yourself to pray!
There are many different ways to pray.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, devoted the first chapter of her healing book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures to prayer. She writes, “The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer.”
If you are new to Christian Science, this may seem different than how you’ve seen prayer defined before. Or perhaps the concept is familiar, but you haven’t seen it in quite these words.
In Christian Science, familiar verses and passages like this are often jumping off points for praying, and for uplifting and prioritizing our thought spiritually. Eddy describes “self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection” as prayer — and as qualities to strive for.
Jesus Christ demonstrated pure affection. To act in the loving and principled nature of Jesus and love your neighbor— no matter the opinion of others — that is healing prayer!
Adjusting our thoughts and actions to be God-focused is the way towards harmony and healing. Mary Baker Eddy summarizes,
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.
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
With an all-loving God, Eddy says we may turn to prayer as a “very present help in trouble.” If you are looking for a quiet space to think, or would like to learn more about Christian Science and prayer, you are welcome to visit an open reading room, where the attendant will be happy to assist.
Visit our Home page and click on one of the three buttons in the header to sign up for Prayer Tips. Or click New here.
Have a wonderful National Day of Prayer!
