More has been heard recently about the salutary effects of prayer than at any other period of modern history. One has but to pick up a newspaper or magazine or to listen to a radio program and he will learn of some experience in which the narrator has been saved, through prayer alone, from a perilous situation. Men and women in the armed forces are turning in countless numbers to prayer for guidance. Few, however, have attained sufficient understanding to be able to analyze the meaning of the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man," which, says the Apostle James, "availeth much."
By turning to Webster's New International Dictionary, one finds that a definition of "effectual" is "having adequate power ... to produce, an intended effect." In the discussion of the synonyms for "fervent" this dictionary says, "Ardent connotes eagerness, and fine enthusiasm in whatever cause," and then it uses as an illustration the foregoing quotation from the epistle of James. To be of use, then, prayer should consist of powerful thinking inspired with zeal or eagerness. And yet, the repetition of words with all the power and zeal that one might utilize, would not necessarily bring about the desired result. To learn to pray fervently and effectually, one should become a student of the teachings of Christ Jesus and of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, both of whom made use of prayer at all times and under all circumstances. And, while Christian Scientists do not claim for themselves a monopoly so far as the understanding of prayer is concerned, the results of their prayers, as found in the testimonies printed in the Christian Science periodicals, and as related at testimony meetings, are proofs that they have gained a clear sense of the meaning of prayer.
The faithful student of Christian Science relies upon the example and the teachings of the Master for guidance in daily thinking and living. He finds in his study of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and the other works of Mrs. Eddy a lucid explanation of those teachings. In this way he discovers the significance of prayer. Mrs. Eddy considered the subject of such importance that she devoted an entire chapter to it. In the very first sentence of that chapter there is revealed not only the reason for prayer, but the needed steps in order that prayer may be effectual. Says our Leader (ibid., p. 1), "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,—a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love."
