Whenever we pray the Lord’s Prayer with its spiritual interpretation (see Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 16–17), we encounter the phrase “Adorable One.” While we commonly use adorable to mean extremely charming, Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines it as: “That ought to be adored; worthy of divine honors. In popular use, worthy of the utmost love or respect.” And he first defines adore as: “To worship with profound reverence; to address with exalted thoughts, by prayer and thanksgiving; . . . to honor as a god or as divine,” before also defining it this way: “To love in the highest degree.”
So, how can we reverence God more fully? How can we worship and love Him “in the highest degree”?
Ritual worship is inadequate. True worship is a present, active response to God’s goodness. Psalm 105 provides many ways we can properly worship and adore the adorable One, including the following: “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name. . . . Remember his marvellous works that he hath done” (verses 2, 3, 5).
These “marvellous works” are recounted throughout the Bible, explained in Mrs. Eddy’s writings, and testified to in Christian Science churches throughout the world and in every issue of The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Herald. Joyfully celebrating and giving thanks for the countless ways in which divine Love has blessed and healed mankind magnifies God and is one of the most effective ways in which we can individually worship and adore the adorable One.
What about doing so collectively? Here’s some guidance from Isaiah: “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together” (Isaiah 45:20). We are in this together. Active support of church is another vital aspect of our adoration of God.
Doing all of these things helps us to grow closer to our adorable Father-Mother. May the adoring you do uplift, bless, and heal you and others.
Mark Hendrickson
