Is it really worthwhile to have Christian Science Primary class instruction from an authorized teacher listed in The Christian Science Journal? Is it worthwhile to spend the money on travel, food, lodging, to take time off from work, and to pay the modest $100 fee to the Christian Science teacher for this two-week class? I would say … absolutely!
I decided when I was twenty that I wanted and needed Primary class instruction in Christian Science—that this step would be invaluable for my spiritual growth. When I met my teacher, who was also a Christian Science lecturer, I was quickly convinced that he was the right teacher for me. I took notice of his humility, spiritual vitality, and enthusiasm, and I knew that he taught his students how to heal! That was most important to me, because I always wanted to learn to heal, how to give an effective Christian Science treatment, which is scientific, spiritual, Christian prayer.
Those two weeks in class were wonderful. I learned so much about God, about His nature, power, nearness, and His ever-availability. And yes, I learned how to heal. I was putting into practice Christ Jesus’ teachings on prayer in Matthew, chapter 6. Regarding these verses, Mary Baker Eddy wrote in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “In order to pray aright, we must enter into the closet and shut the door. We must close the lips and silence the material senses. In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings, we must deny sin and plead God’s allness. We must resolve to take up the cross, and go forth with honest hearts to work and watch for wisdom, Truth, and Love. We must ‘pray without ceasing.’ Such prayer is answered, in so far as we put our desires into practice” (p. 15).
