The prayer of faith that heals

Faith, though unseen, is prominent in all we do. We have faith in teachers, bankers, farmers. We trust that the bus driver knows where he's going and that the fireman will act quickly when called.

But what of our faith in God to help and heal in time of need? Does it equal our faith in the bus driver and fireman?

"But we can seem bus drivers and firemen. can we see God?" Look up from reading a moment. Can you see them now? Isn't our faith more in their ability than in their physical presence? Faith is a mental construct, an expectant condition of thought that knows help is available and that recognizes the steps to take to achieve it.

"But faith in God to heal! Isn't that quite a leap rather than just a step?" Not once you've experienced it! When a child plants a seed, he may have some faith it will sprout.But when he sees the plant, he begins to understand what seeds do, and his faith becomes stronger. Faith leads to the understanding that warrants the faith.

Yes, we do need seed. If we deny even the possibility of divine healing, we never take the step nor receive the proof. The Bible declares, "Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." n1

n1 Hebrews 11:6;

Faith is the spiritual eye-opener to a more complete understanding of God.

The prayer of faith might be likened to a ship sailing over uncharted seas. Faith is requisite if we are to leave the safe port for unknown shores. The winds and waves of fear may tempt us to return, but dissatisfaction with old port and expectation of the new urge us on.

Fortunately, Christ Jesus charted the spiritual waters for us. He took the trip and successfully arrived at the destination. He showed the way of faith and prayer that leads to the understanding of spiritual being. As we stay on the Christly course (living Christly lives), even in starless nights, we arrive precisely as scheduled: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, sot that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." n2

n2 v. 3;

Christian Science also shows how to translate spiritual reality into earthly experience.How to see the unseen, hear the unheard, touch inspiration, taste reality. How to claim our identity as the sons and daughters of God in wholesome, purposeful, healthy lives. Science is the Christly way from sin to holiness, ignorance to wisdom, sickness to health.

Mary Baker Eddy n3 writes: "'The prayer of faith shall save the sick,' says the Scripture. What is this healing prayer?" She then explains, "It is neither Science nor Truth which acts through blind belief, nor is it the human understanding of the divine healing Principle as manifested in Jesus, whose humble prayers were deep and conscientious protests of Truth, -- of man's likeness to God and of man's unity with truth and Love." n4

n3 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science;

n4 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,m p. 12.

One day our infant son was nauseated, feverish, crying. My wife comforted the child and cared for his needs as we turned to the payrer of faith that heals. Delving into the words of the Bible and Science and Healthm with deep yearning to know Truth, we became more aware of God and His healing Christ. Faith that the child could be healed by God was gradually lifted to the understanding of the truth of being that does the healing. The unseen world of Spirit (unseen to the disturbed senses) was becoming clearer through Christ, the revealer of Spirit. Comprehending more of spiritual law and the universal power of divine Love freed us from fear. At that moment I thought, "Father, he is your child. You created him in Your image with perfect health. That is the truth of his being." Instantly the fever left, the nausea ceased, the crying stopped. The child was well.

The prayer of faith fathoms the boundless being of illimitable Spirit and the present possibilities of righteous living. Faith ripening to understanding is tangibly felt in Christian character and perfect health. Daily Bible Verse Faith, if it hath not works, is dead. James 2:17