The simplicity and dignity of a service in a Church of Christ, Scientist, with its minimum of ritualism and glamour, has earned the admiration of many non-Christian Scientists. The provision for silent prayer followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer in unison contributes greatly to the effectiveness of the service in uplifting thought and healing the congregation. This integral step in the Order of Services, established for The Mother Church and its worldwide branches, stated in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy, is highly important to the healing mission of Christian Science.
The invitation of the First Reader to join in a few moments of silent prayer followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer is the cue for each one present to close his door of consciousness to the clamor of material sense. Then thought may be turned Godward as each prays individually in line with the By-Law in the Manual: "The prayers in Christian Science churches shall be offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 5;
Christ Jesus admonished his followers not to pray as the hypocrites do, who pray that they may be seen of men. He said, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."Matt. 6:6; Although in church we are praying as part of a congregation, we are entering individually into the secret place to pray.
