By Elaina Simpson, C.S.
Prayer is a helpful way to remove fear from thought. Here's a little idea that reminds me to stay alert to fear in prayer: In her primary writing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy emphasizes how important it is to remove fear. We find the powerful statement, “When fear disappears, the foundation of disease is gone.” (368:31–32) She also writes, “Destroy fear, and you end fever.” (376:26–27) In an instance she uses the words fear and fever interchangeably, implying that they go together. (See 175:10–12) In another example, Mrs. Eddy finds that, “...fear is the danger and induces the physical effects.” (381:9–10) Mrs. Eddy also directs healers to, “Always begin your treatment by allaying the fear of patients.” (411:27–28)
Fear often imposes itself in the form of “what if.” Instead of going down that road mentally, it has helped me to ask myself prayerfully, “Even if!” The opposite of "what if," "even if" aids in prayerfully protesting against an unnatural, material thought pattern. Asking myself “Even if ________” [Mentally filling in the blank with whatever fear is imposing on thought]... Then, prayerfully listening for Truth to replace the fearful imposition. Even if, a false lie argues to thought, I don't have to fear it, because it's not what God sees. Although every prayer is unique and inspired, it always helps to mentally reverse fear.
Sometimes when fear argues, it can appear as subtle and less obvious at first. But, it helps to stay alert to these lies of fear and intrusions that suggest themselves to our thinking. 'Even if' (reversing the "what if") has helped me remove the “elephant in the room” (as some Practitioners call it).
This idea of “even if” (or any way you feel inspired to reverse fear) gets the fear or most aggressive suggestion off the table, so that the mental way is cleared so we are ready and receptive to the Christ healing power. It's not formulaic, but in most instances, it’s a helpful reminder that helps break the mesmeric pattern of fear. As fear is most often synonymous with disease, I find this helpful: "To heal by argument, find the type of the ailment, get its name, and array your mental plea against the physical." (412:18–20)
This idea of “even if” actually comes up different times in the Bible and in Mrs. Eddy's writings. She writes, “...If Mind is foremost and superior, let us rely upon Mind, which needs no cooperation from lower powers, even if these so-called powers are real.” (144:2–5) She also writes, “When this hour of development comes, even if you cling to a sense of personal joys, spiritual Love will force you to accept what best promotes your growth.” (266:10–12) The bible says, “Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.” (Deut. 30:4) This idea is also congruent with Psalms, “If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” (139:8)
This is a way to affirm what we know is true. It's not about expecting anything but good, and it’s about calling what's erroneous to the surface so it can be removed from thought. And fear, doesn't stand a chance!
Have a lovely evening,
Elaina
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