David Kennedy writes: “Moving to a new home a number of years ago, I found that I had settled down in the midst of a severe drought, one that had been intensifying over a period of four years. The state’s fruit and vegetable crops were suffering millions of dollars in damage. Forecasts in the newspaper predicted that the drought would either continue or get worse, unless we had “an unbelievably spectacular wet season.”
In the spring of that year the governor of the state described the situation as “very perilous.” He told the media that he was praying about the situation every day, and he hoped others would pray as well. My own concern compelled me to pray, too.”
Can prayer really make a difference?
In fact Christ Jesus promised, “…your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. (Matt. 6:8–13)
Mary Baker Eddy’s revelation of Christian Science sheds spiritual light on the Lord’s Prayer, and illuminates the sentiments contained therein. This spiritual sense shows more of God’s active goodness, all-ness and nearness:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Adorable One.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy kingdom is come; Thou art ever-present.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Enable us to know, — as in heaven, so on earth, — God is omnipotent, supreme.
Give us this day our daily bread;
Give us grace for to-day; feed the famished affections;
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And Love is reflected in love;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;
And God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
For God is infinite, all-power, all Life, Truth, Love, over all, and All.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 16:24–15)
Christian Science Society, Sunshine Coast 