On the Sunday afternoon preceding the upcoming Lesson-Sermon, I give myself a privileged appointment with my Leader, Mrs. Eddy, via the Lesson-Sermon. I mark the books as I read, one citation at a time. This is done slowly, with a happy sense of leisure, for I am the guest of God savoring spiritual meat.
Using the large Quarterly, I make copious notes, summarizing each section upon its completion. Beginning with the Golden Text, I am on the alert for what may appear to me as the pattern or dominant theme. When I find one, the discovery is exhilarating! I feel as if I had caught the ball and am now running for the goalposts of increased spiritual understanding. To discern the dedicated intent of that week's message puts me into the company of the elect: thousands of us— here, there, everywhere—working and praying with unity and spirit and specific instructions.
Since "inspiration restores every part of the Christly garment of righteousness" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 242), I regard the Lesson-Sermon not as a duty but a delight. I refuse to permit myself to fall into a mere rote-reading.
