Energy: how to pray about it
A Christian Science perspective.
Energy is at the front of people’s minds today, probably in a way unlike at any other time in history.
We all want the things energy provides – light, heat, the ability to travel. In other words, we want access to the services that energy makes possible, rather than the energy itself. But the voices contributing to the energy discussion also include companies invested in energy supply, groups concerned about energy security or the environmental impact of various energy sources, and politicians working to develop policy that addresses all concerns.
It’s no secret that there are often high levels of contention. And with widespread fiscal belt-tightening in the United States and across Europe, some perceive the need to make a trade-off between the environment and the economy, where energy-related decisions are concerned. Yet as I’ve come to understand through my study and work in the energy field, adequate energy and a safe environment are intricately linked, and both are needed for humanity’s survival. Since there is no single perfect, cheap solution, the problems can appear complex and maybe even unsolvable.
This is where prayer allows us to rise above worry, get at the root of associated fears, and begin to find harmonious solutions. We read in the Bible that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). Since that is the case, we can be confident in listening to God, loving Him foremost, and trusting that this approach will open us up to new solutions – or to ways of implementing existing solutions to everyone’s benefit.
In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “[I]t is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (2:13). When we serve God first, rather than a particular industry, or interest group, or political party, it’s natural to be obedient to His message and to feel free to take steps that serve the most good, without fear of the consequences.
If, for example, the fear is that energy-policy changes will lead to job loss, then we can look to the enlightenment that prayer offers in any situation. Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Monitor, wrote, “If you wish to know the spiritual fact, you can discover it by reversing the material fable...” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 129). To find the spiritual fact, we can recognize that God, infinite Mind, is the ultimate and boundless source of both energy and activity – employment – for all of His creation. His inspired ideas are complete in themselves, and include no damaging or detrimental element. As we follow His direction, we can expect to find answers to today’s energy and environmental needs, including secure, stable jobs.
Our humility in seeking God’s guidance will reveal solutions that meet the highest good for humanity today and in the future. Prayer not only brings us in tune with divine direction, but also softens resistance to needed change and allows us to move beyond fears or shopworn attitudes, to embrace new ways of looking at issues.
One of the hymns in the “Christian Science Hymnal” begins, “I love Thy way of freedom, Lord,/ To serve Thee is my choice” (No. 136). There are a lot of contentious issues in the field of energy today, but as we first strive to serve Him, we can expect the answers to naturally follow, step by step.
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