"Let us unite in silent prayer." This invitation, part of every service in a Church of Christ, Scientist—has always carried special meaning for me. Much more than a call to pray for a few moments, it is a reminder to all in the congregation to come together—to truly unite—in their desire that the church service bless and heal.
Unity is one of the prime elements for effectiveness in church work. The early Christians gained strength from unity. One doesn't need to look that far back in history to find an inspiring call to unify, however. Addressing a class of sixty-five students in 1889, Mrs. Eddy made this statement: "We, to-day, in this class-room, are enough to convert the world if we are of one Mind; for then the whole world will feel the influence of this Mind."Miscellaneous Writings, p. 279;
A desire above all else to understand God opens the door for achieving unity of purpose. The next step is indicated in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy: "Few understand or adhere to Jesus' divine precepts for living and healing. Why? Because his precepts require the disciple to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye,— that is, to set aside even the most cherished beliefs and practices, to leave all for Christ."Science and Health, p. 141;
