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Writer's pictureElaina Simpson, C.S.

Motives for prayer

Updated: Feb 7, 2022

By Elaina Simpson, C.S.

(The pic above has no relation to the post tonight other than the fact that it looks pretty much like this in DC right now!) The January postings have included ideas about new goals and getting things done. Continuing that theme, here's an instagram post from a few years back that I shared on @Doveandoliveleaf

The beautiful thing about spiritual growth, setting goals, or even working with a Practitioner, is that it's not about fixing or changing people. It's about starting from the standpoint of Love's reflection, already spiritually perfect in God's eyes. The more we practice this in thought, we naturally see it manifest in our experience. The red, crossed-out words above all have one thing in common; those wishes are all about getting somewhere or fixing or changing oneself. Beyond just wishing, we can have the desire to grow, to see what Love sees, to act as Love would act and speak as Love would speak...etc. "Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds...What are the motives for prayer? Do we pray to make ourselves better or to benefit those who hear us, to enlighten the infinite or to be heard of men? Are we benefited by praying? Yes, the desire which goes forth hungering after righteousness is blessed of our Father, and it does not return unto us void." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 1 Marginal heading: Right Motives) So, we see that our motives for prayer are not to fix or change. The desire to grow spiritually is our motive. We do this by seeing the nowness of the spiritual perfection of God's creation-- Including you. PS: -NEW. Under the new "Patient Portal" tab of this website, patients can find practice information for your reference, all in one place for your convenience. For example, it covers answers to "Commonly asked questions [about working with a Practitioner]." This is for patients only so it is password protected. Please request the password. -Recently, I have been sharing some of these posts via Facebook on a professional page. -Whether you are reading from China, Sri Lanka or France, thank you so much for your willingness to share Christian Science ideas with others, especially during this time. Please note that under the "Spiritual Resources" tab, you can also share links to ChristianScience.com, Science and Health and JSHonline. Have a great evening,

Elaina

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