QUESTION: The basic elements of prayer in Christian Science seem pretty simple: God is the only power there is, and we can never be separated from His love. Why then do some people pray for long periods of time, and even all night long?
A1 At times, it would seem that the object of prayer is to find relief from certain symptoms. But the real goal for the person praying is to reach a point of sensing no burden, limitation, or need to personally change anything—becoming fully aware of God's good creation and its permanent stability.
It may take a while to get to this point. Sometimes it can take time to discern a deeply rooted issue that needs to be expunged from the patient's thinking. Sometimes it can take a while to quiet all the thoughts that would tell you the problem is real. There may even be an argument within the patient's thinking over different opinions or personal agendas.
