"WE must 'pray without ceasing.' Such prayer is answered, in so far as we put our desires into practice." In these words, from page 15 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we are led to the door of prayer, which we may open by putting "our desires into practice." When we think of desires, we usually think of things to be gained, and the question may be asked, How can one put into practice his desires? In Christian Science we find the answer to this question, and also the means whereby to have our prayers answered.
Let us first consider the subject of desires and needs. Do we really need things? Do material possessions, or even physical health and strength, always bring happiness, peace, joy? In the light of Christian Science, we learn that material things have no power to give lasting joy, harmony, and satisfaction, or to take them away. It is the quality of thoughts that we entertain which gives us peace or destroys it. As we practice right thinking instead of merely hoping that some particular event or condition may come to pass, our prayers are answered. The Science of Christ, Truth, shows us that the qualities of Mind, God, alone give abiding peace and contentment.
We all desire happiness, harmony, justice, courage, strength, and health. Christian Science shows that all may express these qualities of good, and that there is abundance for all. It teaches us that divine Mind, God, is infinite, all good, and that man cannot be separated from perfect Life, true substance, because he cannot be separated from God. Consequently we, as children of God, now possess these divine qualities, and have all we need to prove man's perfect, spiritual being. When our prayers are not answered, a search in our mental home may reveal that we are asking mainly for materiality, physical conveniences and comforts, luxury and ease. God knows not matter and gives no material blessings, for He is Spirit and matter is nothing. In order to find the answer to our prayers, we must deny material selfhood, which wants so many things, and wholeheartedly desire and pray for that which God gives—that which alone is eternal—love, truth, purity, joy, harmony, completeness, the true sense of health and substance.
