God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Prayer in Christian Science is based on this premise. Christian Science treatment is prayer, but it is not merely a pleading or a begging petition. It is, rather, aligning the divine facts of being against the so-called laws, limitations, and beliefs of material existence. Treatment is prayer from the standpoint that man is spiritual, not material. Because it is based upon the teachings of Christ Jesus, prayer is effective; it is a dynamic force in the lives of those who avail themselves of it.
In the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, there is in the chapter on Christian Science Practice a subtitle "Mental Treatment Illustrated" (p. 410). On the pages under this title many demands are made upon the individual in order that he may bring about successful results from prayer or treatment. A study of these pages will bring a clearer understanding of what Christian Science treatment is. The first instruction is, "Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!'" Someone may say, That is easily enough said, but how can one help being afraid when confronted with serious illness or accidents?
First, one needs to know that his fear or anyone's fear cannot stop God from expressing His being, and man is that expression. This understanding helps to release one from fear. Secondly, as one becomes more conscious of the presence of God, he adheres to his true being as a child of God. He actually feels the tender love and care of his heavenly Father-Mother and realizes clearly that God's protection is always available and is the only protection he needs. He realizes that divine law supersedes any false law, so called, and that the divine law is governing him, his body, and the world. With such assurance, what is there to fear?
