By Jeanine Lambert, C.S.
- If this work is calling you – Know that your whole life has been preparation for this calling. (SH 107:3 “God had been graciously preparing me during many years for the reception of this…revelation…”)
- Spend time praying specifically for the prison system. (Isa. 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?)
- Handle Animal Magnetism thoroughly (Hymn 517:2 Who can separate us from the love of God? Truth is here to shield us with its staff & rod; What is there to harm us when this help is sure? We are more than conquerors; we rest secure.)
- Prepare a lesson plan – usually things that speak to you from the Bible Lesson. (Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord…)
- Listen for where God wants you to go – Listen to the inmates, in particular, meet them where they are in thought. (Isa. 35:8 And an highway shall be there and a way and it shall be called the way of holiness.)
- Be willing to completely upend your planned lesson, if necessary. (SH 583:20 Mind is…the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good…) It is animating you!
- Ask them what they got from your time together – this often surprised and delighted me! Ask them if they’d like you to pray for them. (Matt. 7:7 Ask and it shall be given, knock and it shall be opened unto you).
- Pray to know that “the Word of God, Dvine Science “(SH p.503) is meeting their needs right where they are. The Christ is present in the prisons – you are just a witness. (Hymn 412 The Christ is here(there), all dreams of error breaking…)
And if you can’t remember all these steps then just remember Mrs. Eddy’s quote from Message ‘01 1:19 “Sincerity is greater than genius or talent.”
