When the world feels divided or troubled, it’s natural to wonder whether prayer for the world can really help. Global issues can feel much bigger than us, or far-removed.
But prayer can lift thought above fear and helplessness, helping us respond with greater wisdom, compassion, and peace. Even small shifts away from fear, anger, or hopelessness can have a healing effect in our families, communities, and the wider world.
Christian Scientists believe prayer is more than positive thinking. It’s a way of turning to God — divine Love — and recognizing Her power as all-present. This brings wisdom, peace, and healing. Many of us have seen prayer make a difference in our own lives—bringing healing, restoring relationships, or giving us peace and direction during difficult times.
How do Christian Scientists pray for the world?
Prayer is unique for every individual, but it always involves turning to God and recognizing His power and presence. A simple prayer for the world may begin with an awareness of God’s goodness and care for all creation. And since God made man in His image and likeness, we see that man reflects His pure nature.
When we pray, we see the world and all mankind from this spiritual perspective. We affirm that fear, hatred, and violence have no place in God’s kingdom. This kind of prayer helps bring peace, wisdom, compassion, and justice to our communities and beyond.
Many examples from The Bible and recent times reveal the impact of prayer on any scale. Moses turned to God to overcome a personal problem, his speech impediment. And he also turned to this same ever-present Father to provide mana in the desert for all the Israelites. In both cases, his prayers were answered and his needs met.
Jesus’ example of prayer
Christian Scientists look to Jesus’ example for how to pray for the world. Jesus shared the Lord’s Prayer with his followers, and it begins with a prayer for the world.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9, 10
This prayer for the world encourages us to recognize God as the only true power. “On earth as it is in heaven,” shows that we can glimpse God’s heavenly harmony in our communities and around the globe. We can glimpse heaven on earth here and now.
Christian Scientists believe prayer can bless not only ourselves, but others as well. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote:
… keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, … And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 210:2–3
Can prayer for the world really help?
Yes! A recent testimony revealed the power of prayer in a community affected by high casualties from drug addiction. Members of a nearby Christian Science church began to pray about the issue, affirming God’s power and allness. As they prayed to know that only God, good, was governing this neighborhood, they started to find a sense of peace. A few weeks later, they learned that this community had not seen any casualties during that time.
Prayer changes the way we see our world and brings God back into focus. We start to see how She is actively caring for all Her children, nurturing and guiding us to solutions, answers, and peace. We can all be a witness for God’s great love over all creation.
For thoughtful coverage of world events and issues affecting humanity, visit the Christian Science Monitor World section.
Questions? Contact us at community@prayerthatheals.org or visit a local Christian Science church or Reading Room.
