THE subject of prayer is one that is very dear to us as students of Christian Science, because through its teachings we have learned in some degree to pray the prayer of understanding. A study of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy gives us a comprehensive grasp of this essential part of the theology of Christian Science. We learn that true prayers are based upon the prayers which are recorded in the Bible; hence it follows that a careful study of the life and works of the Master, particularly in relation to the subject of prayer, is illuminating. From the Gospels we learn when, where, and under what circumstances he prayed.
The beloved John, more than any other of the Gospel writers, has given us a clear insight into the relationship of our Master with his Father. We find that the seventeenth chapter of John has a direct application to Christian Scientists and to their present tasks in the working out of world-problems and the dissemination of this truth to all mankind. In the first part Jesus prayed for himself— for his work on earth; in the second part, for his disciples and for their work—the continuation and promulgation of his teachings; and, thirdly, he prayed for all mankind—"for them also which shall believe on me through their word." The deeper meaning, the essence of this wonderful chapter, which is indeed a prayer, is expressed in one word—unity. On page 12 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in analyzing the prayers of Jesus, Mrs. Eddy says that his "humble prayers were deep and conscientious protests of Truth, —of man's likeness to God and of man's unity with Truth and Love."
Those who have been healed in Christian Science generally desire to help in this great redemptive movement. As outlined by our Leader in the Manual of The Mother Church, fitting one's self for membership in a branch church and in The Mother Church is among the first steps in becoming an active Christian Scientist. These steps are taken only after due preparation; and if our lives are yielding to the demands of Science, we are being constantly prepared for spiritual progress.
One qualification for membership is some ability to demonstrate Christian Science. Studying the growth of the spiritual idea of Church in human consciousness, from earliest times, as recorded in the inspired Word, we gain an enlarged concept not only of Church and of the workings of the spiritual idea, but of our own spiritual identity as children of God. Indeed, when we unite with the Church of Christ, Scientist, we ally ourselves with those who, through the truth, understand themselves to be "the redeemed of the Lord."
Here is evidenced the correlation stated in Jesus' prayer—"that they all may be one." For students of Christian Science to unite with the church means to seek to be at-one with God and with one another. The brotherhood of all mankind will become apparent as this truth is established in individual consciousness.
What is the work of the Christian Science church? Our Leader's vision included the redemption of all mankind. What are the duties of church members through the performance of which they may hasten this achievement? There are specific Rules and By-Laws and prayers in the Manual to guide us; but the spiritual meaning of each must be grasped, for it is only by understanding their spiritual meaning that the letter can be obeyed. As these By-Laws are faithfully obeyed, the unity of our Cause will become more apparent, and greater healing ability demonstrated.
Among the spiritual qualities called for by the different By-Laws are obedience and unselfed love, expressed in service, purity, gratitude, and loyalty. The alert student has learned that all the activities of The Mother Church are governed by the provisions in the Manual. Several of its By-Laws, which need frequent study in order that obedience may be manifested, apply not only to those directly connected with the specific activities, but to all members in their support of these activities, and in their individual experiences.
While endeavoring to express obedience, as he searches the Manual for further enlightenment the student learns how to counteract the sense of fatigue through understanding the continuity of Truth and Love; and he also learns how to defend himself against so-called mental malpractice. Through increased spiritual understanding he is shown, also, how to overcome a false sense of lack, and is enabled to demonstrate more fully real substance and intelligence.
Certain parts of the Manual deal with an understanding prayer for ourselves, while others deal plainly with our prayers for the church and for all mankind. One of the latter is the "Daily Prayer" (Art. VIII, Sect. 4), "'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!" This purification of thought through our prayers for ourselves, for the home, for the church, and for the world, blesses all mankind.
There are many By-Laws which can be used daily, or as the need arises. The whole trend of the Manual emphasizes obedience to divine government and law, through which man's God-given dominion is manifested. So, in some degree, we rise to the understanding of Jesus' universal prayer, as recorded by John. We realize that the Master's work for humanity meant a world-dispensation, and that the mission of the Church of Christ, Scientist, the fulfillment of prophecy, is to hasten this era.
