The chapter titled “Christian Science Practice” in the textbook of Christian Science is filled with helpful directives on how to heal through prayer. One of my favorites is on page 390: “Suffer no claim of sin or of sickness to grow upon the thought. Dismiss it with an abiding conviction that it is illegitimate, because you know that God is no more the author of sickness than He is of sin” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures).
This statement makes it clear that our thoughts are important. There is a connection between what we think and what we see and experience. Another statement in Science and Health reveals more about this connection: “What is termed matter manifests nothing but a material mentality” (p. 173). To those new to the study of Christian Science, the idea that what we see is but the objectification of thought can be challenging. But understanding this basic concept is crucial to success in healing.
Mrs. Eddy came to her conclusions regarding health and healing following years of investigation and practice. Much like a physical scientist conducts experiments to prove a hypothesis, she experimented with various healing methods in a quest for health. Inspired by Christ Jesus’ teachings and healing work, she turned to God after a life-threatening accident and was instantly healed. But she wanted to understand how the healing had occurred.
