A Prayer Response for "When an Accident Happens..."


What do we do when we're involved in an accident?  If we've simply stubbed a toe, we might just be angry, upset, and hop around in pain.  In a more serious situation we might call 911, apply first aid, and look to family and friends for comfort and support.

The book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy says something very thought-provoking about accidents:
"When an accident happens, you think or exclaim, 'I am hurt!'  Your thought is more powerful than your words, more powerful than the accident itself, to make the injury real."
Thought is more powerful than the accident itself?  That's hard to believe.  But supposing that is true, what should one do about it?  The book goes on to explain:
"Now reverse the process. Declare that you are not hurt and understand the reason why, and you will find the ensuing good effects to be in exact proportion to your disbelief in physics, and your fidelity to divine metaphysics, confidence in God as All, which the Scriptures declare Him to be."
I experienced the effectiveness of this advice one summer when I was with a group of teen-aged campers a few miles up a rocky, wooded canyon.  We were playing a game that involved running, when one of the campers fell on some stones and cried out that he had injured his knee.  As he lay on the ground with the others gathering around, I reminded him about the statements above.

I told this young man some things the Bible says that could help him "understand the reason why" he could not be hurt - about how God made us, loves us, and sends His angels to protect and care for us.  At this point, I ran out of inspiring ideas to share with this young man.  The thought came to me, "God, not you or your words, is what has power and is healing this situation.  Be quiet and watch."  Obediently, I was still and quiet.  So were the other campers.  It was not an anxious or restless quiet, but a peaceful anticipation.

I don't know what my young friend lying on the ground was feeling or thinking, but after a minute or so a smile spread across his face, his eyes opened, and jumping to his feet he said cheerfully, "Thank you, I'm alright!" - and he was!  The rest of our day was filled with activity and he participated freely.

You can read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures online or purchase it from Amazon or any major book retailer.  It is also available for sale or study at the Christian Science Reading Room in Evergreen, Colorado at 4602 Plettner Lane.