ONE of the great changes being wrought through the study of Christian Science is in the human concept of prayer. When the thought of prayer as intercession or supplication is supplemented by the sense of prayer as righteous desire, manifested in goodness, purity, and love, we see that true prayer is expressed not so much in words as in righteous thinking and doing. In logical sequence, one must learn to think aright before he can do right deeds. Ignorance of what prayer really is subjects us to imperfect demonstration of harmony; and thus our lives appear discordant. Mrs. Eddy tells us in "No and Yes" (p. 39), "True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection." In daily practice of this pure concept, would not our actions inevitably express the answer to our prayers?
Down the ages men have wondered why so many of their prayers have remained unanswered; and many have felt that it does little good to pray. The trouble is that we so seldom really pray. Paul said, "Pray without ceasing." This surely cannot mean constantly to implore God to do something; but it does mean constantly to cultivate right desires, and then to express those desires in our actions. Unless our desires result in compassion, honesty, unselfishness, usefulness, we need not try to persuade ourselves that we have truly prayed. Prayer and answer are closely allied, in that right desire is blessed of God and one acts in conformity with his true desires. True prayer enlists the power of God in our behalf, and must result in demonstration. At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus knew that his prayer was already answered, and he gave thanks that God always heard him.
When one lives in the consciousness of God's ever-presence, he is striving to express Principle in his every word and deed. This constant striving brings results. Through it one knows one's dominion over false belief. Hence, when problems come up for solution, whether for one's self or others, one's faith in righteous prayer having grown into understanding, one prays without doubt regarding the answer. This prayer is expressed in affirmation of the truths of being; and while it may take the form, in part, of petition, it is always affirmative. Jesus said that if we ask, believing, we shall receive; and in the ninety-first psalm is the sure promise of harmony and protection to him who "dwelleth in the secret place of the most High." What is dwelling "in the secret place," but continuous true prayer, affirming God's presence?
