Series 1 - Lesson 2 - Annotation 13
In what respects does it differ from the old concept of prayer?
13. The old concept of prayer was that God was a superman apart from human beings, superior to man in every way, who might or might not condescend to answer, as it suited His pleasure. Some thought that if a person prayed long enough and hard enough God might be induced to heed his plea and change His laws to suit the beseecher. It was a futile way of trying to reach God without understanding His nature and man's relationship to Him (as His son and heir and thus entitled to the good of life).
The new and scientific prayer is made in understanding faith and love. We think of God as Divine Mind, the creator of perfection and wholeness whose entire rule or law of action is the law of good — the expressing of good in the form of ideas to be set into operation in all parts of the universe, producing the required good for every living thing. In reality, it is the "getting in tune" with God, the infinite, the source from which all creation comes forth "in the beginning" (Gen. 1:1).
When we begin to understand the nature and action of Divine Mind, we have faith that if we place our attention in Absolute Good, declare only good to be operative in mind and heart, then only good can and will be produced in our outer life. We do not pray primarily for things but for the divine ideas, inspirations, that produce the things and conditions we desire. "Seek ye first his kingdom" (Matt. 6:33) and the promise is that the "things shall be added."
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Preceding Entry: What is a treatment?
Following Entry: Explain how to treat another.
