FAR more than being merely entreaty, prayer in Christian Science educates spiritually the one who prays. Briefly it is a method of establishing in human consciousness the spiritual, or real, facts of God, man, and the universe. As this is done, prayer rids human consciousness of the mortal ignorance that produces all human suffering and discord.
In the chapter on Prayer in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, asks (p. 3): "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive His blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation." Christian Scientists endeavor to avail themselves of the harmonious effects of His rule. In order to do so, they must become acquainted with that rule. God must be understood.
In the well-known story of Job's suffering, his friend Eliphaz counseled him to gain an understanding of God, saying (Job 22:21), "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." Through the revelation of Christian Science, which is the Science of Life, anyone can now become acquainted with God and learn what He is like.
