Effective prayer
I’m grateful for the article “Consider it done” by Alan Lindgren in the July Journal. He clearly explains why asking our Father for material things or human solutions isn’t effective prayer. But if we pray to recognize God for what He is, infinite good, the creator of the universe, the source of our consciousness, it’s inevitable that we always have what we pray for.
The final revelation
What heartfelt gratitude I would like to express for the Christian Science Board of Directors’ answer in the July 2014 Journal to the question: “Should Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures be changed to keep up with the times?” The profound reply settles the question. The promised Comforter has come through our Pastor, the Bible and Science and Health, and it stands as a final revelation.
I used to frequent all the large bookstores, perusing the new publications on topics of interest such as spirituality, Christianity, philosophy, to read the trend of world thought. I would always leave the store with the deepest gratitude that I have, we have, the “pearl of great price” through our denominational textbook, Science and Health.
From childhood, I have studied this precious gift, understood and demonstrated its precious promise of healing and peace.
In the words of this book: “Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practised” (p. 174).
Answered prayer
Thank you to Mark Swinney for his article “Evil isn’t” in the June Journal. Studying this article lifted me from fear to a calm sense of God’s presence.
My thought was directed to this passage in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings, we must deny sin and plead God’s allness” (p. 15).
God knew I needed simple answers to challenges I’d been having, and Mark’s article was answered prayer.
Gift to readers
I just want to thank The Christian Science Publishing Society and The Christian Science Journal for the “Shared Reflections” inserts that are being included in issues of the Journal now. They are wonderful, and I find myself hardly able to wait for the next “installment” each time. These insertions are a genuine gift to readers, and I hope they never end! Keep up the good work!
A real treasure
When I saw the latest “Shared Reflections” lecture included as an insert with my copy of the June Journal, I have to admit I rolled my eyes. “Prophecy: Its Purpose, Unfoldment, and Fulfillment” by James Spencer didn’t seem, to me, to be a riveting or relevant topic. But, determined to give it a fair shot, I read the whole thing anyway, and I’m so glad I did.
I enjoy when I am proved wrong, and I quickly realized, after reading just a little bit, that my preconceptions were totally off base. James Spencer’s lecture is powerful. I have read and reread it, and each time have very much enjoyed the insights he shares. There are some real gems in this piece.
It is a real treasure, and as Mr. Spencer so eloquently points out in the opening, “It’s not something esoteric or mysterious … it’s something that’s vital, perfectly logical, and very understandable.”
Thanks, victor
I just read the June Journal from cover to cover. My praise starts with the cover photo of the little girl on horseback. That is such a clear representation of the might and peaceful power of God’s love, the childlike love and trust that is ours, and the wonderful comfort it brings. Awesome image. The articles are great and the lecture on prophecy is wonderful.
But the very best is the letter from Victor; it brought tears to my eyes. That the Christ could reach Victor in his hour of need in prison is so inspiring, It tells me of God’s dear love for each of us, and that in our hour of need, wherever we are, God will be there for us. I know Victor wrote that letter to help others, and he should know that it was worth his effort; it helped me.
Thank you all who continue to take the time to write for our periodicals. The June Journal is a shining example of God’s love for man and our love for each other.
Focus on healing
It is with profound relief and gratitude that I thank you for your redirection of our focus to that of healing. As a member of The Mother Church for many years, I continue to learn that drawing closer to God’s great love and striving to understand Him better through deep contemplation of the writings (the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s works) open up the channels for healing.
I am thrilled with the “Shared Reflections” inserts in the Journals, They are outstanding.
