The neophyte in Christian Science whose thought becomes arrested by Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks," may ask the questions: How can one rejoice when distressed? How is it possible to fill one's thoughts perpetually with prayers? How can one be thankful when surrounded by lack, discouragement, and discord? To such a one, seemingly wandering in darkness, the ever-present light of divine Love is available, for Christian Science teaches mankind how to practice continual prayer, how to replace sorrow with joy; and it explains the possibility of turning trials into glad thanksgivings.
In Christian Science we learn that right prayer is knowing the truth about all things, at all times, under all conditions. Nothing short of the understanding of man's eternal relationship with divine Mind will establish the assurance that Love is unfailing and ever operative. To pray aright, consecration, sincerity, and perseverance are requisite; and as we make prayer a habit our daily routine expresses harmony and success. Thus we find that it is the normal, natural thing for our thoughts to dwell in Soul, not in material sense. In Science the omneity of God and His universe, including man, is unquestioned. Therefore, no one can live to himself alone: he must do his share in individually reflecting Life, Truth, and Love. The smallest drop of water reflects the sun even as does the great ocean.
Through scientific prayer Christ Jesus demonstrated the truth about God and His creation: and his ascension, the climax of his earthly ministry, proved for all time the falsity of human belief in a material cause and effect. When his disciples petitioned the beloved Way-shower to teach them to pray, he gave them the prayer of prayers, for which all mankind owes endless gratitude. For about three centuries his faithful followers demonstrated the efficacy of Christian prayer by healing the sick and sinful and even raising the dead; and had not mortal, material beliefs hidden the true understanding of prayer, this spiritual growth would have continued without retard or impediment.
