The word authority simultaneously calls to mind responsibility. One cannot exercise authority irresponsibly, as it then ceases to be authority and is simply arbitrary power. When we turn to God in prayer, we can be certain that He responds to His child, providing protection and care. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous, yea our God is merciful, says the Psalmist. Ps. 119:5 As we become conscious of this principled, loving influence working on our behalf, we see our own lives reflecting this divine authority in our daily contacts. The opportunity to experience and exercise divine authority is our prayerful topic for us from the Reading Room.…

There is a traditional truism, “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” In hindsight, many victims of trickery recognize the tempting results offered to them if they would invest time and money in a questionable endeavor. Jesus’ admonition to his disciples comes to mind, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) We are to meet the world with the wisdom that discerns a lie, as well as the spiritual dominion that renders the lie ineffectual. The Reading Room has given us the topic of protecting ourselves and others from any fraudulent suggestion.…

We value the noble men and women we find in the Bible for pursuing their God-given missions despite the challenges they faced. Their characters were tempered by humility, hard won conviction, and courage, made possible by spiritual resilience – the ability to respond to adversity with dominion and stand with authority, following God’s direction. For September, The Reading Room suggests we take a favorite person from the Bible and identify how the Christly qualities in his or her character illustrate resilience.…

At times, one can feel discouraged at the apparent fragmentation of society, seen in incivility, impatience, selfishness. This sense of division and disunity can be addressed through the united prayers of devoted spiritually minded people. A hymn from the Christian Science Hymnal says, “Let all that now divides us, remove and pass away… Let all that now unites us, more sweet and lasting prove, a closer bond of union, in a blest land of Love.” (Christian Science Hymnal, #196) Affirming that all of us are children of the one God will bring into view our common goals and desires, ushering in peaceful progress. The Reading Room gives us the important task of establishing unity in our daily rounds for our prayerful focus for August.…

When Jesus spoke, people listened. The book of Luke describes this, “And they were astonished at this doctrine, for his word was with power.” (Luke 4:32) The New International Version of the Bible says, “They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.” True power has divine authority, it possesses legitimacy by its moral basis. It advocates for justice and undergirds society with honorable intent that brings about stability. Let us spend July identifying the right use of power to benefit our fellowman. The Reading Room thanks you.…

In the current vernacular, we all want “to be seen.”  In the majority of cases, this simple desire is answered by courtesy, consideration, being appreciated.  When we recognize someone’s dignity, we have shown that we value them, respect them.  We prove that in lifting up one, we rise up together.  The leavening effect of respect is evident when we see it in action.  For the month of June, the Christly sense of respect and its power to transform our lives is our prayerful focus.  The Reading Room thanks you.…

Are we a Martha or a Mary? When Jesus came to visit his friends, Martha rushed about preparing the meal for her honored guest, then turned to Jesus, asking him to tell Mary to help her serve, because she was doing it all alone. Mary had been at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teaching. Jesus gently responded, “Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41, 42) Let us each be certain that we are not so absorbed in the mechanics of our tasks, that we fail to see the spiritual illumination of their purpose. During May the Reading Room enjoins us to step away from busyness to inspired doing.…

When we examine the ministry of Christ Jesus, we note that many who benefited from his healing touch were earnest seekers from modest circumstances, sincerely seeking to be free of whatever bound them. The Magdalene washed his feet with her tears, parents besought him on behalf of their children, a suffering woman quietly touched his garment’s hem in a swirling crowd. The common thread in these healing events was the humble thought of the one in need. These open hearts were rewarded with healing, and also were lifted up to recognize their worth as loved children of God. This month the Reading Room challenges us to not only feel the sweet peace of humility, but to extend this uplifting hand to everyone around us.…

“When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.” (Science and Health, page 426:8-9) What a heartening prospect, to know that our advancement towards our goals is helped onward by our conviction that we will reach them. This assurance comes from our certainty that divine Mind is supplying us with the talents, opportunities, and vision to fulfill our hopes. The importance of a utilizing the power of spiritual expectation is the Reading Room’s task for us in March.…

What are the advantages to the spiritual sense of yielding?  Christ Jesus is the ultimate example of a life given to God.  He said at various times, “I can of mine own self do nothing…” (John 5:30) and : “Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)  He completely surrendered his will and opinions to divine Mind, confident that his Father-Mother’s higher wisdom would guide him rightly.  Mary Baker Eddy describes Jesus as “…the best man that ever trod this planet.”  (Science and Health, p, 363:31)  As we explore the topic of yielding during February, delve into Christ Jesus’ life for instruction in this pivotal approach to spiritual growth.  The Reading Room looks forward to your fruitage.…