Q: I am not a church member but I have attended Christian Science services regularly for over 40 years. When the Reader invites the congregation to unite in silent prayer, I have never heard him or her explain that prayers in Christian Science churches are offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively, as is stated in a By-Law in the Manual of The Mother Church (see page 42). Is it assumed that church members are aware of this By-Law? I actually don’t think such an announcement should be made that effectively restricts the scope of an individual’s personal and private prayer at this point in the service. This raises a more fundamental question: Does the Manual By-Law apply only to members of The Mother Church? If so, are nonmembers actually free to devote their silent prayer in a Christian Science church service to any purpose? —A reader in Wesham, UK
A: You raise good questions. My thoughts are that since the directive for prayers in church is found in the Church Manual, it has the distinct flavor of reminding members of their duty to provide an atmosphere of healing love for all who attend. Mary Baker Eddy expected healing to take place in Christian Science churches. We do not forget those expectations. We understand that “service” does not mean self-serving, but the eager willingness to serve others. The Manual By-Law gives the congregation a starting point for silent prayer, but prayer can be as individual as a member or guest wants it to be. It leaves no one out.
I’ve found silent prayer for the congregation to be particularly unselfish. It opens thought to the unselfed love that turns to God in prayer for one’s neighbor with faith and expectation. It opens hearts and thoughts to the welfare of others. It highlights the commandment Christ Jesus gave his followers to love God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. Such love surely is not exclusive to the church member, but embraces everyone.
