How Often Do We Plead with God, as if infinite Mind needs to be told what to do? How many times do we attempt to direct God to fix a problem, which, in reality, has no existence in His creation? In fact, it's impossible for us, as the expression of infinite Mind, to give information to the source of our intelligence. As Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health, "The intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man." Science and Health, p, 284 Elsewhere in Science and Health she asks, "Can we inform the infinite Mind of anything He does not already comprehend? Do we expect to change perfection?" Ibid., p. 2
In 1997 I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (the "PCT") from Mexico to Canada through the mountains of California, Oregon, and Washington. During this backpacking adventure, I witnessed many proofs of God's supply, guidance, and protection, and came to the realization that the most effective prayer is an apprehension of and reliance on the spiritual facts of being—rather than a pleading with God. I progressively came to the understanding that God's will is done —He has already provided all good for His creation.
At one point I was hiking into a tiny hamlet to pick up a box of food and maps that my mother had sent. These provisions would last until Crater Lake. Unfortunately, employees of the shipping company were on strike that week, and my supplies didn't arrive. When I came to the designated pickup spot—a small plywood fishing shack—the owner informed me that my box was not there. He jokingly suggested that I stock up on Snickers bars, potato chips, and night crawlers (worms), which he sold at a premium.
