Many of those who take up the study of Christian Science do so in the hope of being healed of some physical disorder, disability, or disease which medical practitioners have failed to cure. That this hope is fully justified is proved in the case of thousands of individuals who, having turned to Christian Science for relief from discordant conditions, have been healed. Nevertheless, there are other students who, though gaining some measure of comfort, harmony, and happiness from long and earnest study of the teachings of Christian Science, find themselves still handicapped by some erroneous physical condition. If this seems to be the case, let us refuse to associate ourselves with arguments such as disappointment and discouragement, and let us sternly dismiss the hampering suggestion that we find Christian Science difficult to understand and demonstrate. Then let us courageously take a fresh stand on the side of Truth, remembering that each successive moment brings with it full opportunity for the instant realization of complete healing.
If the healing of any erroneous condition seems delayed, it may be helpful to ask oneself the question which Mary Baker Eddy puts to her readers on page 2 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," namely, "What are the motives for prayer?" Prayer, as understood in Christian Science, is the recognition and acceptance of the allness and perfection of God, good, and His spiritual creation, and the consequent nothingness and unreality of that which is unlike Him. What, then, are the motives for our constant declarations of this great spiritual fact? What are the motives for our oft-repeated affirmations of the truths of being as found in Christian Science?
If our prayers are prompted mainly by the desire to be rid of what claims to be a burdensome physical condition, then our hopes of a speedy release may be wavering and uncertain. In the same paragraph Mrs. Eddy continues: "Are we benefited by praying? Yes, the desire which goes forth hungering after righteousness is blessed of our Father, and it does not return unto us void." We can joyfully accept our Leader's assurance, knowing that right desire lifts thought towards demonstration.
