Praying for the World

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH - And let it begin with me

One of my favourite hymns is number 521 from the new Christian Science Hymnal Supplement. The first line says it all:

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”.

A couple of years ago, we found ourselves dealing with a tricky situation with our neighbours...

Prayers for Israel and Gaza

The Church members are uniting in praying for Israel and Gaza.   

For many years I have prayed daily that there be no more war, no more barbarous slaughtering of our fellow-beings; prayed that all peoples on earth and the islands of the sea have one God, one Mind; love God supremely, and love their neighbor as themselves.

–Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, p. 286

We welcome all contributions, however short, from our online readers. 

Please send your contribution to our Clerk (UPDATED 28/11/23)

Love hasn’t left this home

In the midst of personal loss, we can stand on these promises of the continuity of God, divine good, and the unebbing joy of experiencing Love’s presence.

Even the smallest prayer is effective

One might wonder how effective one's prayers are when hearing of a disaster.

One member learnt that the smallest prayer is powerful and does have an effect, gaining a spiritual insight on a recent visit made to Bletchley Park, the WW2 code breaking centre.

Finding Mental Health - If you need help with anxiety

Anxiety would try to tell us one story about who we are: that we’re at the mercy of our thoughts and feelings. That they can barge in, batter us, and we’re helpless to do anything about it. That’s the way I used to feel. But one day, during one of these anxious episodes, a thought broke through that I knew was from God. 

Prayers for Sudan

God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and Love; and His people are they that reflect Him — that reflect Love. Again, this infinite Principle, with its universal manifestation, is all that really is or can be; hence God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds, and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are attuned to His call. In the words of the loving disciple, “My sheep hear my voice, . . . and they follow me; . . . neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”  

(Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Mary Baker Eddy,  p.150:25–6) 

Praying for Supply

 

In this Sentinel Watch podcast, adapted for print, David Brown talks with Margaret Rogers, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher from Berkeley, California.

Prayers for Turkey and Syria hit by Earthquake

The Church members are uniting in praying for Turkey and Syria.   

I would that all the churches on earth could unite as brethren in one prayer: Father, teach us the life of Love.
(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 301:9)

We welcome all contributions, however short, from our online readers. 

Please send your contribution to our Clerk

 

A poem entitled 'Our Firm Foundation'

His Mighty Wing

(poem by Virginia)

Under the shadow of war do we live,
or under the shadow of His mighty wing?

Under oppression, or bullies, or fear,
or under Spirit, supreme, ever here?

Love’s wing has no darkness under which we crawl,
but a place of protection, justice, freedom for all.

Though armies of might flaunt aggression and hate,
under Truth’s wings do we stand in full faith

to cast out an image of mortals at war,
and see man, Soul’s expression, loving and pure.

Then…dear world,

under Mind’s gentle orders, in sweet murmuration,
let us soar all together, one blessed congregation.

An economy of ideas

"When we turn our thought to God, Mind, intelligent, inspired ideas begin to flow and give us useful and relevant direction, whether individual or global. These constructive ideas can then be implemented, resulting in better service to others and increased economic abundance for our communities..."

GRATITUDE

I would that all the churches on earth could unite as brethren in one prayer: Father, teach us the life of Love. (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 301:9)

During November the Church members were uniting in prayers on GRATITUDE.  

You can read these contributions by clicking below.

Watching and Safety

Cathy writes -

Jesus once said to his disciples, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37). Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of the Science that Christ Jesus taught, often pointed out the need for watchfulness....

Many years ago, I had an experience in which listening to thoughts from God kept me safe in a potentially dangerous situation...

Praying and LISTENING for a message.

Needing to settle my thought after hearing the UK financial news that was hitting the headlines,  the words of a verse from Psalms came to thought “My times are in thy hands” (Psalms 31:15) ...

Embracing the world's children

'Through prayer we can protect young people by seeing them, and helping them see themselves, as whole, spiritual children of God, rather than vulnerable, immature mortals subject to danger and harm'

Realizing our potential

to “help Commonwealth athletes, citizens and communities realise their aspirations and ambitions” (thecgf.com).

My own athletic endeavors, including representing England in the Commonwealth Games some years ago, have helped me see how fully realizing our potential occurs more on a spiritual than a physical basis.

Climate change and mental change

One of the major issues that humanity is trying to deal with is the fear of climate change and its effect on the environment. Understandably, there is a great deal of concern about this issue, and a lot of human effort is going into combating climate change physically and chemically. But initiatives based on a material perspective are falling short of what is needed because they don’t take into account the impact that thought has on outcomes.

Prayers for Ukraine

During April the Church members united in praying for Ukraine.   You can read these contributions by clicking on Read More below.

I would that all the churches on earth could unite as brethren in one prayer: Father, teach us the life of Love.
(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 301:9)

We welcome all contributions, however short, from our online readers. 

Please send your contribution to our Clerk

Praying for children caught up in conflict

A member found this article - Loving God's Children - helpful. Here's an excerpt -

...There are too many families these days that, through no fault of their own, get caught up in circumstances beyond their control. They often flee their homes and become refugees in countries with different languages, customs, and habits. In these instances, families show great resilience in the face of adversity, but it is often the children who need the most support.

We can hold the families in our prayers as we grasp more clearly ourselves what it means to be citizens in God’s kingdom, where there are no borders, barriers, or restrictions on man’s well-being...

In Christ there is no East or West,

Christian Science Hymnal

Hymn 509

In Christ there is no East or West,

In Christ no South or North;

But one great family of love

 

Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Christ shall pure hearts everywhere

Their true communion find;

God’s service is the golden chord

Close binding human kind.

 

In Christ now meet both East and West,

In Christ meet South and North;

One joyous, true community

Throughout the whole wide earth.

Peace for Ukraine

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were a delegate at a peace conference? Or if you were a diplomat flying between cities, trying to work out a peace settlement ..? 

A member pondered this question back in 2006 but it is still relevant today.

You can listen to her March 9th Daily Lift

and read her full article by clicking below

Conflict Resolution

As the United Kingdom commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, remembering the victims, and promising to stand against prejudice and hatred today, we can join in the prayerful effort to resolve conflicts and to overcome hate.

Daffodils and winter jasmine

In her daily lift, Cathy shares that tucked away in the Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes, we find these words:

'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven'

She goes on to explain that as a keen gardener she has noticed that every season has its own unique and beautiful flowers.

Resolving the transgender question in my thought

Today we hear and read a lot about issues to do with gender and transgender. These are sensitive and challenging questions, but at the same time important to resolve in one’s thought and not to run away from. 

The Bible says that God created man in his own image and likeness, hence as purely and perfectly spiritual, as the reflection of Life, Truth and Love. And as we read in our textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, man is ‘the compound idea of infinite Spirit or the full representation of Mind’. Being ‘compound and full’ means complete, nothing missing.

Light Bulb moments

With worsening world news our spiritual inspiration is more needed than ever.

I’d like to tell how a ‘light bulb’ moment affected my day after reading this line from the book of  Acts ; “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” ....

The chaos of mortality, or the cosmos of immortal Mind?

A member shares an article which is 'a comprehensive explanation of the world as it is constantly being presented to us through the news media and how we can leave this right now for the cosmos of immortal Mind and choose to live in its peace and order and goodness, free of confusion and anxiety.'

 

Too good to be true?

There’s a well-known saying: “It’s too good to be true!” We’ve probably all found ourselves coming out with this phrase at times when something wonderful or amazing happens. 

"The Lord will restore to you the years that the locusts hath eaten..."

It is wonderful to see chidlren and young people returning to school. There is concern expressed about the effect on their education these months away from school has had. Read further to see Cathy's experience when such a concern about her son needed prayer...

How 'church' rescued our home...

Many people are facing the possible loss of jobs and homes in this present lockdown situation. But there is an answer to this uncertainty when we look deeper into the qualities that are the foundation of 'home' and sometimes by an unusual link! Read how Jillie found the link which rescued their home...

The power of gratitude...

Lockdowns have been difficult for so many people during these months and perhaps gratitude at such a time is a big 'ask'! But gratitude can be a powerful force ... 

 

 

(Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash - with thanks)

When my boss asked me to lie...

... 'making the right decision always has the power and might of God backing every step.' With so much in the news about 'fake news' and the need to make decisions about who is telling us the truth, the need to strengthen our own decision making can be a right basis to start...

 

Photo: thanks to Lachlan Dempsey on Unsplash

'New employment possibilities during Covid'

Many people throughout the world are having to open thought to new or perhaps different employment. Read further to find some helpful thoughts which Jillie gained from her study of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary baker Eddy.

Photo: www.campaigncreators.com/ unsplash.com

"...waking, dream shadows"

"God is'

This isn't -

That's that! "

Read how Cathy used these simple words to destroy feelings of fear coming to her in the night...

Mental stability and inner peace

In John 14:27 we read: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you..." Peace then is the gift of God. Read how Alison gained a greater sense of peace by thinking about  the word 'elastic".

Praying for our children away at college and university

The following article from the Christian Science Journal may help parents whose young people are away at college or university during these challenging times. Our children are never separated from the care, protection and love of God.

Starting a new school year

While so many 'what ifs' abound in today's world, particularly at the moment, in opening up schools to the new school year, it is important to keep our thinking firmly grounded in 'what IS', according to Love's everpresent and ever available power in our lives. Read more of how a Christian Scientist is praying about the new school year...

...thoughts about 'RACIAL HARMONY'

How do we gain a better understanding of 'race' and do our part to help alleviate so much racial divide and tension in the world today? Read further to see how one Christian Scientist is seeking answers through prayer...

Neighbourly harmony

When the events of our world seem too enormous for us to pray about, it is good to be reminded that God's law of harmony and adjustment is always present in the minutiae of our daily lives as well as in national and international concerns. Read about Cathy's experience with a neighbour...

Sheltered by His wings

A member of our church writes:

"In these past months there have been times when I have needed to specifically pray for myself, my family and the world to acknowledge that we are all in a sheltered place, watched over and protected by our Father Mother God. As God’s children we are greatly loved - no one is excluded from this Love. God’s Love is all-inclusive, all encompassing and all protecting."

Click below to see how inspiration came by watching birds in the garden...

"...my little prayer..."

Thinking of the tragic events that are happening all over America at the moment it is hard sometimes to feel that, no matter how much you want to help, there is often this niggling thought that says ’how could ‘my little prayer’ reach out and make a difference in such a situation. But as Christian Scientists, we do have to pray to heal anything that seems wrongful or discordant.. 

Hymns in the supermarket queue

At this time, there is probably no greater need than to keep thought uplifted. Read further to see how Cathy found a change in attitude happened through quiet hymn singing in the supermarket queue...

Creativity in isolation

When we are all having to find a sense of purpose during these long periods of being alone, Alison is discovering a newness in what it means to be 'creative'. We hope that her experience may help others to experience new possibilities in their day...

Prayer and spiritual immunity

"The Bible says, "Perfect love casteth out fear" (I John 4:18). God's love is universal, and therefore it includes everyone. We are all God's children, receiving the tenderness of our Father-Mother, God. This is a powerful love, a strengthening love. Accepting it and relying on it provides the best immunity to anything unlike God."

Click below and read more...

Safety

As we continue our focus on the effectiveness of prayer to keep us safe in troubling times, we would like to share a poem by a Christian Scientist, Violet Hay, which one of our members has found helpful at this time.

The power of prayer

We are continuing our focus on the power of prayer. Do click below to read another experience from a Christian Scientist illustrating the protective power of acknowledging the everpresence of God in our lives.

Sometimes we don't know why we are praying...

With so many world issues needing our prayers today, just listening to God to hear His direction will bring about the harmony, resolution and protection needed. Read further to see how a Christian Scientist proved this when experiencing an alarming situation.

Continuing our prayers for those threatened by contagion

"...there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling..." Psalm 91

Like many people throughout the world, our members are continuing prayers for those threatened by contagion. Phyllis has shared her thoughts here on 'Read more' and further spiritual inspiration can be heard on the replay of last Wednesday's midweek meeting, found by clicking on 'Join us online'.

Bringing our prayers to the threat of contagion

"...even when contagion seems widespread, it can't be more powerful than the 'all encompassing, inviolate presence of divine Life. This life is God. And is the most powerful thing embracing humanity." (The Christian Science Sentinel). Read more from author, Kevin Graunke, in his following article...

Seeing Past Turmoil in the News

Praying About Destruction

Tuesday's daily lift is helpful in praying in support of the situation in Australia

Click hear to open Tuesday's daily lift 

Prayers for Australia

Christian Science Monitor Reporter writes "Our hearts go out to those in Australia, which has been experiencing drought from an intense heat wave and raging bushfires that have left a hazardous smoke haze hanging over Sydney. Here are some ideas to inspire prayers that kindle hope, courage, and confidence in God’s care for His creation."

The wakeful shepherd

Christmas time for many of us can be a time to remind ourselves of the trust in good which the story of the shepherds tells us. Read how Susan found inspiration from travelling in Israel and visiting the place where the shepherds may have been with their flocks...

"Take the world into your arms each morning..."

The world needs our love more than ever .... In this interview from The Christian Science Journal entitled 'Gratitude before, during and after a challenge", Melanie Wahlberg explains how loving our world can expand thought in the healing process.

"Bombarded by bad news? Prayer reveals what's good and true."

It is possible for us to maintain a sense of peace and control in our every day experience, despite media bombardment. Read more how a Christian Scientist prayed about a trip to Brazil in the face of media predictions...

"A hidden stream reveals a healing message"

In the middle of controversy, alarming predictions and fear we sometimes need to find a way to see beyond what is in front of our eyes - to a Truth which will bring peace, healing and right resolution. We hope the following article will bring a fresh way of looking at challenging issues in our country and the wider world.

Praying for Mental Health in Our Community

With all the heightened awareness that is in the press and media in general about mental health this article might give a different perspective to the questions being raised

Man's first step on the moon...

SPACE TRAVEL

By I. Jocelyn Birch 

From the February 1971 issue of The Christian Science Journal


I have loved the moon and watched, enchanted,
To see man set his foot upon her surface,
Stand etched in brilliant light,
Gather her treasures, then come back to earth,
Leaving her echoing for a space of time.

And I would pattern that triumphant journey,
Break from the gravity of mortal mind,
Rise weightless through immeasurable realms
Of Spirit,
Scale Mind's peaks,
Stand fast upon the rock of Principle Reflecting dazzling light of Life and Love,
Gather the priceless, changeless things of Soul,
And hear Truth's ringing and majestic tones
Echoing, echoing, echoing in my heart,
Across the dream of time
Into eternity.

I. Jocelyn Birch

Facing down conflicting forces by siding with Science and peace

Depspite having Conservative Party elections and Brexit constantly in thought, we can side with Science and peace.

"Trusting God when decisions feel beyond our control..."

"Decisions, decisions, decisions. Life seems full of them, from daily demands upon each of us to choices others make that have an impact on our experience." Read more from Kylie Sissons and her husband, Peter, on how we can pray and find peace at these decision times, leaning on God's gentle, clear guidance...

"...you never give up on love."

"I don't care what the world might do to you. You never give up on love..." words by the Rev. Harry Richard. Read more about how religious groups around the world are dealing with recent attacks.

Prayers for a solution to Brexit

Like so many people all over Britain and beyond, we are praying to lift thought out of the present deadlock on Brexit so that solutions can be found for our country and for Europe. Read further to see how John is using his study of Christian Science to find inspiration...

Supporting New Zealand

"We’ve all felt the shock that comes from an abrupt ending. It can be personal—like a divorce, a layoff, or the death of a loved one. Sometimes it can be larger—like a natural disaster or when lives are senselessly cut short in a tragedy, such as a shooting. Each person deals with these kinds of events differently, and there’s no formula to working through them. Here are a few things I have found helpful in responding prayerfully to “sudden endings” of any kind. " Read more of what Kim Korinek has written in The Christian Science Sentinel

"Elastic Thinking..."

"Are there times when our thinking is like a clenched fist and not an open hand willing to listen, be flexible and adaptable? Are there times when we feel ‘my way’ is the only right way?"

These are questions which Alison asks in the following article. Read more about how she used her understanding of God to find expanded ideas and flexible thinking...

"LOOKING UP..."

"Sometimes it’s hard to look up when our thoughts feel dragged down by difficult circumstances or negative news. But the promise is there. And it can effect change. Looking up to God is a great habit to cultivate."

Read more of Deborah Huebsch's article in The Christian Science Monitor...

What view of our world are we accepting...?

"Am I accepting that my world is made by, and of, matter and governed by mortals?  Or am I accepting that as the Bible tells us "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth..... and He saw everything that He had made and behold it was very good.?"  Which one am I accepting?  A chaotic universe or a divinely controlled universe?"  Read more...

What view of our world are we accepting...?

This week will be a time when so many of us are praying to find peaceful solutions which will bring resolution to Brexit. The Bible is a rich and contiuing source of inspiration...

New Year Resolutions...

"I began thinking more widely about what my resolution might be for my family, our country and the world – certainly to be more consistent in my prayers for peace and harmony and also to acknowledge with more gratitude all the good I see expressed at home, in our country and all over the world." Read more about Alison's approach to finding her own New Year's resolution...

Our greatest gift....

In all the busyness of Christmas, perhaps the greatest gift to our world may be our stillness. In the quietness of prayer, we can find the answers our country and our world so need at this moment. Our church like so many others are praying to see peace and resolution...

Thanksgiving...

There could be no better time than now to turn our thoughts away from complex and challenging world issues to embrace the simplicity and peace which comes with gratitude and praise for God. "Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years." (MBEddy, page 60, Manual of the Mother Church)

"Only one mediator..."

There looks to be always two sides in any negotiation situation with the emphasis being on one side winning. But, in her prayers, Jillie saw that Love is everpresent to mediate...

No impasse...

Are you praying to see a way through a seeming impasse either in your own life or the world community?  Perhaps these ideas from two Christian Scientists will help...

 

"no locked door, dead-end street

sign that says "no way out"

prayer is the way of going through
the valley of the shadow

the only I is present
the I AM speaks my name
your name, our names
all names—I, Love, you."

— Isabel Ferguson - Jan 19, 2009 The Christian Science Sentinel

Government and Politics - a spiritual approach

Do you need a fresh approach to thinking about government and politics? Diane Staples explains that "government is about something much more important than politics" in the following article. Just click on Read more....

Think larger...

The challenges facing our world today seem huge and we need to ask ourselves if our thinking and praying is 'large' enough to meet these challenges... 

Preoccupation with substitute gods?

Here is a new angle on the many preoccupations which seem to fill our world today...

...in the midst of bush fires

One of the great things about prayer is that it is immediate. We can go straight to the heart of what we are seeing before us and find another way to think and to see.... Here is how Abigail Mackay prayed about Australian bush fires. Her thought may help us to support the people in Mati, Greece, at this time of raging bush fires

"I will lead them in paths that they have not known..."

There are often times in our own lives when the way forward is not clear and that can be unsettling and often scary. When it is happening on a national level, we can need something deeper to guide us. This short post from Jillie shows how she is praying...

"Brave Britain! Blest America!

"Brave Britain! Blest America! These wonderful words can be found in a poem by Mary baker Eddy. Read how a Christian Scientist is praying for unity between nations...

"...the power of love..."

"We had the power of love. Everybody sent it." These are the words from the provincial governor, Narongsak Osottanakorn, on why the mission to rescue the 12 boys and their coach from a Thai cave succeeded. LOVE is a powerful healing presence and provides a haven of safety whatever the conditions. Read how Alison has been praying with this sense of 'haven'...

Thailand Cave Rescue

The news of the rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from a ledge 2 km from the main entrance of flooded caves in Thailand fills everyone around the world with such joy and gratitude. Our church like so many others have joined in the prayers for this outcome and we are continuing to pray for their full recovery.

 Some of our members have shared how they have been using their understanding of God to pray for the situation.  Read more....

Praying for those in authority

Prayer isn't simply a matter of wishing, pleading or just hoping. Prayer can make a difference...

Being prepared for effective praying for the world

Challenging news items come thick and fast over the media. Are we always ready for them with our prayers? Inspiration can come in so many ways ...even thinking deeply about the word 'grass'. Intrigued? Then read more....

"We belong in God's family ..."

"With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science."

(Science and Health p469: 30-5)

What a powerful statement to think about in the midst of alarming and distressing news broadcasts from the media every hour of the day! Sometimes discordant situations may arise within our own families or workplace. Read further of how a Christian Scientist is using this statement in her prayers for the world...

LOVE- a healing power

Our Wednesday weekly prayer meeting this week followed up on the address given by Bishop Michael Curry at the Royal Wedding on The Redemptive Power of Love - you can catch up on this meeting by clicking on 'Join us Online' at the top of this page. But have you ever thought about the healing power of Divine Love? Read more to listen to a broadcast on this subject...

Acknowledging GOD'S law to challenge increased street violence

News of increasing violence on Britain’s streets can bring fear and a feeling of helplessness. But don’t stop there! Click below to read how Christian Scientists immediately go to prayer to see God’s law in operation...

"To find what the world is trying to be."

What a thought provoking title from an article written by Thomas Johnsen in March 13 edition of The Christian Science Monitor! It talks of our role in healing a world in great need...

Read more....

Heads up in the storm

When weather conditions seem overwhelming, Christian Science encourages us to take another view. Read more to see how a Christian Scientist saw extreme weather as an opportunity to understand more of God, during challenging times...

Healing the effects of abuse

The subject of sexual abuse has been prominent in the news. In this broadcast you can hear how a group of Christian Scientists have dealt with this issue through their study of Christian Science.

"Oh! If he only knew, Love fills that well. "

These words in the title of this post were written by Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science. Read more to see how they brought inspiration to a Christian Scientist who was praying for the situation of drought in South Africa...

Our prayers for Cape Town

Prayers in our church are continuing for the challenging situation in Cape Town in the midst of a drought. Read how one of our members is praying "to uinderstand more deeply the ever-presence of God's infinitude and what this must imply..."

'Drought is not beyond our control'

Following our last post highlighting the need for prayer to the situation in Cape Town where water supplies for the region are running perilously low, it is great to be able to share the attached article written by a Christian Scientist...

'Day Zero' looms over water-scarce Cape Town

Read about this serious situation in South Africa and join with us in praying...

"Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."  Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health, with Key to the Scriptures, page 494 

True home

Last Sunday was 'Homeless Sunday 2018', an opportunity to focus our thoughts and prayers on individuals throughout the world who are searching for home. Read more how Cate, a Christian Scientist, has used prayer to find and establish her sense of home...

No Season for flu

Interested in radical new ideas? With this being a time when so much is being said about seasonal illness, read what Sue Rohde, a Christian Scientist, wrote about rejecting symptoms of flu and mortal opinion and insisting on God's law of good as the only power governing her life.

"A Spiritual View of Individuality"

What if we begin to see ourselves, our family, those we meet and even world leaders from a spiritual perspective! What a difference that could make! Perhaps it would mean that we could break free from the restrictions of what other people thought about us or even what we thought about ourselves! Endless possibilities here for a rethink...

'Look up: a New Year's resolution you can keep"

A happy new year to all our readers from the members of Claygate Christian Science church! Our prayers for our world in the coming year need to be deep and sincere protests that only good is going on, despite what we are seeing and hearing from the media, don't they? The Christian Science Monitor is a continual source to go to each day to remind ourselves of this. Read more to see The Monitor's first post for the coming year...

Your prayers- a gift to the world

Our prayers for our world are more than just mere 'good thoughts' which seem to go nowhere. They are, as Mary baker Eddy wrote in her description of Jesus's understanding of the Divine healing Principle - "deep and conscientious protests of Truth." ('Science & Health, page 12, line 10). At this Christmas time, we can be giving our gift of healing prayer to any situation which touches our consciousness.

Read further about a Christian Scientist's 'deep and conscientious protests for Truth' on the subject of spiritual mediation... 

Discovering Tenderness in our World

 Christmas! What does that mean for each of us in our daily lives? Loving more? Caring more for each other? Perhaps bringing some of that tenderness, quietness and simplicity of the Christmas happening into our world...

 

Gratitude and Meeting Needs

You may feel that gratitude is the last thing you want to hear about at this moment or "how can I be grateful when things are going so wrong?" Here is a Christian Science perspective on the subject. Read more about how gratitude guides us out of a limited, finite sense of supply and into a more expansive awareness of illimitable God, good, inspiring solutions that meet our needs.

Meeting news of sexual harassment through prayer

Lisening to news items flooding the media can seem overwhelming. So much has been on the news lately about sexual harassment - do we just listen passively? How can we use our understanding of God and man and our daily study of the Bible and the Christian Science text book, Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, to establish a higher sense which can result in healing? Read further about the approach a Christian Scientist took...

#metoo

Injustice, harassment, victimisation in any form is no longer an element of our lives which needs to be hidden away and not exposed. But simple exposure is only the starting point for those individuals who have experienced such abuse. Where do we go from here to bring about change and healing....?

Click on the link below to read Jenny Sawyer's thoughts ....

 

Praying about hurricanes

The news is full of reports of threatening extreme weather conditions and the aweful aftermath of such conditions to those who experience them. It can seem difficult to know how to support communities around the world in regions where such disasters are prevalent. Listen to this Daily Lift to find a fresh way of thinking...

'Overcoming hate'

Are you struggling with how to pray in the face of the terrorist attacks in Spain and Finland last week? The article in the Christian Science Perspective in Friday 18 August edition of The Christian Science Monitor provides new insights into 'letting Divine Love lead us forward' to overcome hate.

You can pray about loneliness...

Social media may give us the feeling that today there is greater connection going on between people but that is not always the case. Loneliness is something which can affect us whatever our age. But the truth is we are not alone. Click on the link below to find out how you can make deeper connections in your life...

Inspiration for praying for countries that have been torn by war

For countries torn apart by war, there needs to be reconciliation. Our prayers can help and support this healing process. Read more...

"...just people, linking arms, helping people."

Read this inspiring account of people helping people in July 11 edition of The Christian Science Monitor Daily. Our world is teeming with actions such as this and it's good to remember this when things look dark...

"In hard times, where is God?"

This title may resonate with all those who are praying to find resolution of difficulties in their own lives and in world situations. Click on the link below to listen to the experience of one Christian Scientist who found that God was there, right with her, in the most challenging circumstances and how this changed her whole life.

"Two religions, one God"

Deep division seems to be at the heart of the acts of terrorism which we have witnessed in Britain recently and elsewhere in the world. The Christian Science perspective from the The Christian Science Monitor reverses this concept and talks of "Two religions, one God", a quote from the Quran. Click on Read more to explore the article 'Unity in the face of terror"...

How can we pray for the world?

Does the idea of praying for the world seem daunting and frankly, impossible? It's actually quite simple. As we strive to meet every one of the daily challenges which come to us with love and an embracing sense of peace, we are participating in active, powerful prayer - a prayer which reaffirms Love's healing presence for everyone. Read more of how a Christian Scientist dissolved anger and resentment with the 'softness' of Love...

"...Immanuel, or 'God with us'...

Following last week's tragedy in Manchester, our thoughts and prayers continue to support a healing sense of Love's everpresence. In the text book of Christian Science, its author, Mary Baker Eddy, writes about "...the sign of Immanuel, or 'God with us,' - a divine influence everpresent in human consciousness..." (page x1, Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures)

Click on the link below to listen to a conversation with three Christian Scientists on "A spiritual Response to Terrorism"...

Continuing to pray with Manchester

Maintining a continual sense of Love's presence and healing comfort for those dealing with Monday's events remains uppermost in our thoughts.

Click on the link below to read how one Christian Scientist is using her daily study of the Bible to pray with the people of Manchester...

Praying with Manchester

More sharing from our members on how they are searching for a sense of God's healing love...Click on the link below to read how one Christian Scientist is using her daily study of the Bible to pray with the people of Manchester...

PRAYING FOR MANCHESTER

When there are just 'no words', Love is the only answer -  tangible, real expressions of love and goodness which we have seen in Manchester following Monday's suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena. Our prayers from this church are also deep affirmations of the power of Love to overcome hate in whatever form. Click on the link below to share in our healing prayers ... 

The practical, effective result of prayer in Christian Science...

There are times when we have a very clear focus for our prayers but there are also times when our prayers are needed for situations which we know nothing about. Read how this came about in the experience of Christian Scientists praying for their son's business problem but which turned out to be something entirely different...

Praying for Madeleine McCann and her family

Our prayers are needed in the world no matter how difficult the circumstance or how much time has elapsed. One such situation is the continual search for the missing child, Madeleine McCann, who was abducted in Portugal in May 2007. Next week is the 10th anniversary of her disappearance. Read more about how a Christian Scientist is using his daily study of the Bible and the book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, to gain inspiration for his prayers for the situation.

Thinking about Motherhood

A member shares her thoughts about Motherhood, as she prays for herself, her family, and families - and individuals - around the world.

Praying for World Issues Including the Weather!

A Christian Scientist shares her thoughts about praying when a Hurricane threatened to cause havoc on the other side of the Atlantic.

Praying about mental health

Mental health is a subject today which needs our prayers. A Christian Scientist found herself in a situation in which she felt the urgency to meet this challenge in her own thought as she went about her daily life.

Leading with integrity

"The tossing of ‘brick-bats’ at national leaders and politicians in the media has erupted with increasing intensity over the past months..."

Read how a Christian Scientist realised that she needed to change her thought about this and take a more spiritual approach.

Love reflected in love

A member shares her thoughts on New Year’s resolutions, and loving more. 

Praying for the whales

Everyone, seeing the pictures in the media, of more than 550 pilot whales beached along a 5 kilometre stretch of coastline over 2 days on Farewell Spit in New Zealand, could not help wanting to reach out to help in some way. Prayer in Christian Science is an effective healing means of contributing to the restoration of harmony and natural good. Read more to see how one Christian Scientist met this challenge.

"The government shall be upon His shoulder..."

Christian Scientists, like so many people around the world from all cultures and belief systems, are praying daily to support and defend strong, right thinking and right acting government. Read how one Christian Scientist found a clear foundation for her prayers in the Bible...

"...a deep-settled calm"

"Oh glorious hope! there remaineth a rest for the righteous, a rest in Christ, a peace in Love. The thought of it stills complaint; the heaving surf of life's troubled sea foams itself away, and underneath is a deep-settled calm." Mary Baker Eddy ('Message to the Mother Church for 1902', p. 19)

Isn't this feeling of calm what is needed today?

'The Power in Welcoming Alternate Views'

This title is from Monday 23 January's editorial of The Christian Science Monitor in which it speaks about the importance of nurturing and encouraging different viewpoints and then listening to them. This prevents 'group-think' and allows for a diverse analysis of events and situations to happen in order to arrive at wise and correct decision making.

Going beyond 'post truth'

'Post truth'!  'Fake news'!

These words seem to appear almost every day in the media and can give us a feeling of great uncertainty and anxiety because we don't know where to go to find the truth. But looking at the news from a Christian Science perspective can provide a solid trustworthy basis to pray from...

'We're all in this together..."

Perhaps you caught this title in our Daily Lift section on the Home Page in the right hand corner, last week. Isn't this a great thought, as we face the world challenges of today together as a world community! Putting aside all the things which would divide us, we can perhaps get a different concept of 'church'...

Facing the new year

A new year! We are faced with predictions, sometimes good, sometimes gloomy! Perhaps a new start signifies change, renewal, anticipation, even excitement!

However we personally approach it, the new year, for our world, needs to include peace and stability. Check out this  Daily Lift from Marian English to see how to pray for this...

Gifts to the world

The Christmas week! What a wonderful time of thinking about giving to those we love! But have you ever thought about what you would give to our world as a gift at this special time  if you were given the chance? A great question, isn't it?

The Gift of Healing

What greater gift can we give at Christmas than our prayers?

Prayers for peace, unity, forgiveness, love and hope...

How does healing in Christian Science work?

Have you ever wondered what healing in Christian Science is about or how Christian Scientists use prayer?

"Healing is about giving up our view of a situation for God's view..."  interesting concept? Then read on to find out more...

How can we help to bring healing to world situations

"The real jurisdiction of the world is in MInd, controlling every effect and recognising all causation as vested in Divine Mind."  Science & Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, page 379

People from different faiths and congregations are praying to bring healing and peace to so many issues in our world. How can we as individuals contribute to this healing momentum...

The healing power of Love

"Hold the world in the palm of your hand and love it!" These words were shared by a church member at our Wednesday prayer meeting this week and they certainly hold a message for us as we pray for our world at this time. Read how we can use prayer to bring about peace and healing.

Caring for our home planet

Good news about unprecedented unity among the nations in protecting the environment!