From time immemorial mortals have in one form or another prayed to a deity, and their concept of prayer has been in line with their concept of God. If their prayers were directed either to a pagan idol or to a humanly personified or anthropomorphic God, they were, of course, without results. Not until the introduction of monotheism among the children of Israel do we find a concept of prayer approaching the spiritual, and with signs following. The patriarchs and prophets of olden days spoke with God in their prayers as consciously as we speak to each other, so imbued were they with the divine Spirit.
The Scriptures relate many proofs of the power of God made manifest to humanity as the result of their close communion with the Father. Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, did his marvelous healing work through prayer, the realization of man's oneness, or unity, with God, Truth and Love. His entire ministry was a life of prayer, spiritual communion with his heavenly Father. But not until the advent of Christian Science through Mary Baker Eddy was the scientific concept of prayer brought into the world, prayer that all may understand and apply. The Science of prayer has been revealed to us, and Christian Scientists in many corners of the globe are using scientific prayer every day in the solution of the many problems which would present themselves.
True prayer is simple and according to the individual's needs; it is not outlined, formulated, or stereotyped. The simplest form of prayer is desire, the desire to be and do better; the earnest request to reflect more grace, inspiration, and spiritual understanding; the fervent longing to have our thoughts and lives express the glorious, sinless consciousness of divine Love. In the words of a well-known hymn (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 284):
