One Wednesday evening, while I was serving as First Reader in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, there was a severe thunderstorm. I had just finished the last sentence of the readings from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy when lightning struck a transformer on a pole outside. It knocked out all the electricity in the church. As I stood there in the pitch blackness, I found myself saying, "Let's all join in a moment of silent prayer, followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer." As we prayed together, I could feel the active support of the congregation. It was a feeling of participating and of contributing to the healing atmosphere of the service.
Our meeting continued, and it was a unique
experience to drink in the spiritual truths shared
in the testimonies given that evening. In what the
material senses said was total darkness, there was
an outpouring of spiritual light.
Our meeting continued, and it was a unique experience to drink in the spiritual truths shared in the testimonies given that evening. In what the material senses said was total darkness, there was an outpouring of spiritual light. To me this shows that a fruitful Sunday or Wednesday service needs the active support of the congregation as well as of the Readers.
