Years ago I became friends with someone who meditated three times a day. Although our religious backgrounds were dissimilar and we had different views of what constitutes prayer, I very much appreciated the faithfulness of my friend's search for stillness and inspiration. A few days after knowing him I began to feel uncomfortable about his example. (Uncomfortable times can be the start of wonderful growing times!) I discovered that the discomfort grew out of my resistance to praying daily for myself.
At this point in my life I was regularly studying the Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly, praying diligently if I was faced with a specific problem, participating in church activities—and not taking time each day to pray for myself. Acute discomfort receded as soon as I resolved that I would make the effort to obey Mrs. Eddy's request: "One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 127; She goes on to indicate the wonderful progress in Christian Science that will follow.
It was not easy at first—I didn't know exactly how to focus my prayers when there was no particular trouble to confront; thought was often diverted. But through consistent effort each morning the requirements and possibilities of this activity gradually became clearer.
