Thank you for your column of questions and answers, and to those who contribute such useful answers.
The answers to the question in December regarding mistakes in Bible translations (p. 6) were very helpful, but didn’t bring out an essential part of Bible study—prayer. Mary Baker Eddy said, “The divine Science taught in the original language of the Bible came through inspiration, and needs inspiration to be understood” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 319). Beginning Bible study with a simple “Father, show me what I need to know today” lifts the heart to see far beyond literal, scholastic interpretations and lets God guide. Many times I’ve been gently prompted to look more closely at a particular passage, or opened my heart to understand a passage that disturbs me, and found healing or an unexpected new interpretation that brings me peace. The Bible can be challenging, but it is also loaded with practical inspiration for every open-hearted reader and every need. Seen through the lens of Christian Science and guided by prayer, it is truly a “sufficient guide.”
Catonsville, Maryland, US
