Quiet communion with God, self-discipline, and total honesty equip us to master every adverse circumstance. Like a powerful motor, prayer gives us the spiritual energy we need to move in and master paralyzing fears. Its impetus can carry us through dark tunnels of mortal discord until we reenter the light of harmony.
Prayer is not a repetition of formulas. Rather it can be thought of as communion with God, in which, since God has already supplied all good, we do the listening. God is always imparting to man His messages of truth; this is the still small voice Elijah heard when he was in danger.See I Kings 19:12; We all have spiritual intuitions now and then, but praying regularly and frequently, we cultivate a constant listening attitude that makes us more receptive to them. Mrs. Eddy writes, "The intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man."Science and Health, p. 284; When we listen to and obey God's direction, we are unerringly guided and protected; and we should remember that from His vantage point of omniscience God knows all and knows it to be only good. Thus we avoid mistakes, delays, and disappointments. Each day unfolds good.
Prayer is in part the conscious effort to think and do good, to be courteous, unselfish, and cheerful to everyone—even under the most trying conditions. The perpetual practice of kindness in little ways, more than the occasional grand and magnanimous gesture, wraps us in love and keeps us safe. As Mrs. Eddy expresses it: "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort."The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 210; And in the Manual of The Mother Church she gives us clear instructions how to pray daily to protect ourselves against evil.See Man., Art. VIII, Sects. 1, 4, and 6;
