On page 4 of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy states: “What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds.”  

“What we most need…” This is a powerful and loving directive. In my experience, this one statement wholeheartedly accepted in consciousness and actively practiced does heal. From this statement, each of us can recognize the essential need to pray with fervent desire to grow in grace.  We see also that in order to express more patience, humility, love, and goodwill, one must develop a graceful spirit or have a graceful heart. 

The quality of grace expressed in thought and action gives an individual more self-control. This divine attribute – as do qualities of gratitude, joy, hope, faith, and love – opens the door of consciousness to spiritual healing.  No one can have too much growth in grace. We all, our world and mankind must be benefited and blessed beyond measure by practicing more grace.

In my college days I used a number of dictionaries, and one was an Unabridged 20th Century Webster’s, in which there were about 40 definitions for the word “grace.” Three of these definitions are:

1. “The divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection.” (Ancient Greek)
2. “To bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to show mercy, graciously intreat, pray.” (Ancient Hebrew)
3. “God’s favor or help” (Middle English)

The Student’s Reference Dictionary, which has many definitions based on Scriptural citations, indicates that the word “grace” can be a blessing or gratuity. Moreover, the primary sense of “gratus” is free, ready, quick, willing, prompt. Other definitions are: 

1. Kindness, disposition to oblige another.
2. The free, unmerited love and favor of God.
3. The influence of Spirit, in renewing the heart.
4. The application of Christ’s righteousness.
5. A state of reconciliation to God.
6. Virtuous affection.
7. Spiritual instruction, improvement, edification.

In reference to spiritual power, Mrs. Eddy wrote, “Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods” (Science and Health, p. 67).  

Grace coupled with Truth, therefore, is a divine power that each child of God can turn to and rely upon. Graceful and truthful thinking is truly powerful, giving one confidence to have dominion over whatever may seem to need healing – be it an acute bodily function, a so-called chronic condition, a negative character trait, an injury or an accident. 

At Wide Horizon, I feel strongly the dedicated workers here have hearts which desire such right thinking and doing in our service through the activity of Christian Science nursing. Also, I believe we will find, that when we continually wear the garment of humility and grace, Love will bless us and lead us to do greater deeds, which in turn blesses others and all mankind. And, through the grace of God, we will experience peace!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving during these unprecedented times, we can find moments in each day to acknowledge the blessings that are evident.  These blessings may include: appreciating a country founded on principles of equality and individual freedom; having the opportunity to succeed and be happy; living in vibrantly beautiful Colorado; being safe in the Kingdom of Heaven; having dear friends; being thankful for family; witnessing God’s bountiful provision which includes harmony and health.

We can be grateful for all those who serve and those who are on the frontlines, knowing selfless service makes a difference in many lives. We can be grateful for Wide Horizon and all that it represents. We can be thankful for the smallest symbol of kindness. We can fill our hearts with gratitude, for heartfelt gratitude is a key to healing and spiritual progress.

“Progress” is also a blessing of Spirit. Here are several references from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

“The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps in endeavoring to reach it.  When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.” (S&H p. 426) 

“…progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfill.” (S&H p. 233)  

“To ascertain our progress, we must learn where our affections are placed and whom we acknowledge and obey as God.” (S&H p. 239)

“Progress takes off human shackles.” (S&H p. 256)

“Progress is born of experience.” (S&H p. 296)

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” (S&H 506)

May each of you have continual spiritual progress and a grateful heart!

“A grateful heart a garden is… A grateful heart a fortress is… A grateful heart a temple is… a grateful heart that loves and blesses all.” – Ethel Wasgatt Dennis

“Love one another.” – Christ Jesus

“O, give thanks unto the Lord.” – Psalm 136

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.” – Psalm 100

“Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.  Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” – Henri Frederic Amiel

“Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.” – Desiderius Erasmus 

“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him: rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” – Apostle Paul

“Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always…” – Christ Jesus

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, — a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise!
~ George Herbert 

May we see with the lens of gratitude! May we know the abundance of God’s gracious Love for all His children!  May we feel the embrace of this divine Love!