To quiet the clamor of worldly thinking, many people meditate. Others hike in the wilderness or go on a religious retreat. As a Christian Scientist, I find peace through daily prayer. Whatever is going on in my life, affirming the all-power and ever-presence of God, good, brings me a serenity that nothing else can.
During one of my busiest periods years ago, while my wife and I were raising two energetic daughters and I had a demanding business, I was elected First Reader of my branch Church of Christ, Scientist. When my name came up for consideration by the members, my heart dropped to my feet. How could I take care of my family responsibilities, look after my clients, and also do the work of a First Reader to the necessary high standard? There was only one answer—by praying. By being aware of God’s presence and power in every corner of my life.
Several years earlier, I’d been given the opportunity to build a financial advising practice. I was paid a minimum base salary, but it was expected that my work would eventually result in far more income for both me and my firm. As a newbie in the field, I prayed to be shown how to approach the work and organize my day. I felt guided in helping people who called me and knowing when to reach out to those who needed me to call them. Even though I didn’t know where the next bit of revenue was coming from, I could listen more consistently to God and be obedient to what I was divinely led to do. This was what I’d been taught to do my whole life as a Christian Scientist.
