My friend had “felt the power of prayer”

A friend called and asked if I would pray for her. She was feeling very depressed, bordering on suicidal. She was raised Jewish, so we talked about the Twenty-third Psalm.

As we continued the work, she said that she did not really relate to the idea of God. I remembered Mrs. Eddy’s talking about Judaism as ritualistic, and in this instance saw how that was true. But I also knew that to be of no consequence. We found other terms with which to talk about Truth—such as “good,” “the greater sense,” and “the power of the Divine.”

My friend’s husband studies eastern philosophies, and at one point she said she had found comfort in reading something in those writings. Rather than taking offense, I continued praying with the idea that God communicates to each person in a way that person can understand.

Within a few weeks, my friend had regained her fortitude and equilibrium and acknowledged the power of prayer.

During this time, the organization she works for was conducting a search to fill a major position. They had found a candidate who seemed very good, but my friend was fearful he would not take the job. She asked if I would pray about the situation.

I prayed along these lines: All right ideas have their right place, and Love’s work and Love must fit. Because God supplies all need, this organization, which represents good ideas, has all it needs for fulfillment.

The job candidate that they had hoped would be interested took the job. He said he had felt led to the organization because its values and mission were aligned with his own.

A few days later my friend called and said that she wanted to make a contribution to my branch church because she had recognized and felt the power of prayer.