Christian Science treatment heals. It is prayer that acknowledges and authoritatively affirms man's spiritual nature as God's, Spirit's, expression. Christian Science treatment is inspired by Christ Jesus' example, his teachings, and his healing works. It is prayer that counteracts mortal, or matter-based, beliefs—it casts them out with the power of God, Truth. Mortal beliefs, accepted as true, are manifested as trouble in our body, in our relationships, and in community and global affairs. When these beliefs are destroyed by Christianly scientific prayer, healing occurs. Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy explains what this treatment does for a patient: "The genuine Christian Scientist is adding to his patient's mental and moral power, and is increasing his patient's spirituality while restoring him physically through divine Love." Science and Health, p. 375.
The Word of God finds expression in Christ-healing. Therefore, treatment is not a personal endeavor. It is a divine activity. The Bible speaks about the effectiveness of God's Word. Referring to it, the book of Isaiah represents God as saying "It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:11.
Effective treatment is filled with the spirit of joy, vitality, freshness, and discernment. The assumption that mere words, properly strung together, can heal, is utterly false. Just as a picture of a flower does not include the fragrance and texture of a flower, words alone do not contain the power and tenderness found in treatment that reverberates with the spirit of Christ.
