“Prayed up” is an expression that I’ve heard for years from a variety of Christian Scientists on numerous occasions.  It’s often used in a phrase such as: “I was so grateful that I was all prayed up because things went so well at the meeting, etc.”

And perhaps, it’s one that you’ve used yourself from time to time.

But did you know that try as you might, you’re not going to find that phrase in any of Mary Baker Eddy’s writings.

Why?

Because it flies in the face of the Apostle Paul’s inspired admonition to “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17)

How so?

Because being “prayed up” indicates a finite sense of prayer—like topping off your gas tank in your car before a trip.  Or a bank account of prayer in which you make deposits and withdrawals.

It, however, is not unceasing prayer!

“But,” you might be thinking, “Paul’s injunction is not really practical today in our modern, fast-paced world with so many things vying for our time and attention.  How could we expect to even begin to accomplish such a demand?”

Well, by striving to keep our thought focused on God—what He knows to be true about each and every one of us.  By listening to the “still small voice”—the voice of divine Love—directing our every thought and action.  By being obedient to what infinite Principle is imparting to us.

By realizing that there is only One Mind—God—not many minds.

And doing so is eminently practical.  I’ve seen time and again how consistently endeavoring to realize and express the allness of God and applying the truths of Christian Science in my daily activities has brought healing to my life and to those who have needed my help.

On pages 4 and 15 respectively of Science and Health you’ll find these two statements:

The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer.

AND

Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers.

There it is!  The author has shown us exactly how to pray without ceasing!

But could this in any conceivable way mean that we don’t need to regularly pray and give treatments?  Of course not, but it does mean that we certainly can achieve what Paul, Mrs. Eddy—and of greatest import—God requires of us.

If we want to be the healers that God has ordained, anointed, and appointed us to be, then we dare not accept those arguments that the carnal mind presents to us about the impracticality and impossibility of actually being able to pray without ceasing.

In her Miscellaneous Writings (p.356), Mrs. Eddy stated:

Cherish humility, “watch,” and “pray without ceasing,” or you will miss the way of Truth and Love.

And that’s a way not to be missed!