We are often tempted to substitute conversation about Christian Science for prayer. But the revelation of Christian Science does not advocate a general discussion of uplifting concepts in lieu of the specific prayer and regeneration that help the student progress. This revelation articulates specifically, in a way we can understand, with certitude, what is needed to advance in expressing our identity as the children of God.
We often want to "talk Science" to find relief from pressing circumstances when what we really need to do is to listen. We need to pray and to hear the one divine communication. If we want others to hear what we say, it can be helpful to practice paying attention ourselves to what others are saying to us. It is desirable to establish a channel of communication. To do this we may need to empty the channel of our own voice so that we can hear what the other is saying. Listening is implied in Mary Baker Eddy's statement "The intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 284.
Humans like the feel of talking. As if donning favorite old clothes, they like to repeat their views about matters from politics and child rearing to what kinds of beans they grow in their gardens. They may not realize that continually moving in these familiar orbits of thought may keep them from spiritual growth.
