Daily Watch for the week of December 26th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022
From 500 Watching Points by Gilbert Carpenter
172 — WATCH lest you stagnate with the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. The concept of God held by these patriarchs was far in advance of any other conception set forth in that age; but the phraseology of this three-fold name would indicate that the understanding of God did not improve or broaden during several generations. An improving conception of God is the hope of the race; there should never be a stopping point for mortals, since Mrs. Eddy tells us that to understand God is the work of eternity.
Christian Science sets forth the correct concept of God, and as the student studies this and seeks to understand it, he should feel that each day brings him nearer to this goal. But he should never believe that he has attained it, and can stop all efforts to progress toward it.
Spiritual growth demands a concept of demonstration that is constantly broadening and improving, onward, outward and upward. Our Wednesday evening meetings symbolize this going onward, the church business meetings the broadening outward, and the Sunday services reaching upward. One’s spiritual growth depends upon his improving idea of God and his broadening concept of demonstration. Science and Health refers to improved beliefs. It is fitting that one’s first concept and use of demonstration should appertain to the personal benefits he expects to receive from its use.
What a sad plight would be the stagnation of a student who spent all his days applying the power of Truth to improve material belief, without reaching the point where he seeks to rise above material sense, through the realization of its nothingness! He would surely deserve the classification of being an idolater. The only way students can avoid that name is to seek to rise higher in their use of demonstration and understanding of God each day.
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from Watches, Prayers, and Arguments, as given by Mary Baker Eddy, page 49
“Hear, O Israel, for the Lord, our God, is one God.”
You are not to come in your own name to pray.
You are not to control any mind.
You are to come only in the divine strength, and know that God will rule and does, and that hypnotism and evil minds cannot, and do not, control men or governments.
All power is God, good.
This is my only formula to Christian Scientists for prayer, and God will give you faith that will remove mountains.