A Song of Thanks

Buffalo River

Unknown Photographer

Today I received delivery of an ultra-lightweight wheelchair. It weighs closer to 20 pounds than the typical weight of around 40 pounds. This will make it easier for the women who drive me places to load my means of ambulation into their vehicles. When the man delivered this lovely chair to me today, he knew I mainly needed it to get to my job as a church keyboardist. As he was getting ready to leave he said: “I know you’re a church lady so shall we pray together and give thanks?” And that is why I am telling you this story. I do not pray with others, nor out loud in public. While my gratitude is great for all the wonderful help I have received on my journey, I declined holding hands and praising God with him. I have never been comfortable with praying in group situations, although silent giving of gratitude and quiet affirmations of Good are welcomed events when gathering with others. I’m going to think about all of this some more, asking for guidance in my thoughts and actions. Thank you greatly …

“Audible prayer can never do the works of spiritual understanding, which regenerates; but silent prayer, watchfulness, and devout obedience enable us to follow Jesus’ example. Long prayers, superstition, and creeds clip the strong pinions of love, and clothe religion in human forms. Whatever materializes worship hinders man’s spiritual growth and keeps him from demonstrating his power over error.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 4:27-2

“Prayer is a ladder reaching up to Heaven. At the top there is a transformation much like your own, for prayer is part of you. The things of earth are left behind, all unremembered. There is no asking, for there is no lack. Identity in Christ is fully recognized as set forever, beyond all change and incorruptible. The light no longer flickers, and will never go out. Now, without needs of any kind, and clad forever in the pure sinlessness that is the gift of God to you, His Son, prayer can again become what it was meant to be. For now it rises as a song of thanks to your Creator, sung without words, or thoughts, or vain desires, unneedful now of anything at all. So it extends, as it was meant to do. And for this giving God Himself gives thanks.”
A Course in Miracles S-1.II.7:1-10