Prayer and nuclear proliferation

Without a doubt, there is wide and increasing public concern over the proliferation of nuclear warheads and delivery systems in the countries that already have them, as well as over the spread of nuclear capability to other nations and possibly to some radical political factions.

Part of the solution may well be treaties that end buildups and even reduce arsenals. But one wonders if this very difficult issue may be awakening mankind to seek, even more deeply, for answers that are beyond technology and treaties. Could it be time to stop trying to save ourselves simply by our own wits? The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes, ''Man has 'sought out many inventions,' but he has not yet found it true that knowledge can save him from the dire effects of knowledge.'' n1

n1 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 196.

Humble people have always prayed to God for their ultimate salvation. Many have looked to Him for daily harmony and even health. Could it be that the nuclear threat is forcing more of us to look more deeply to God for world peace and security? The Holy Bible represents God as saying, ''Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.'' n2

n2 Isaiah 45:22.

Although many may not be aware of it, God is infinite good and the one true creator, as the Bible reveals. He makes all that is made as the expression of His perfect nature, and, perhaps most to the point, He governs all and maintains perfect harmony.

These ideas may seem radical to many - very far removed from reality. It's true that what we see around us, and worldwide, contradicts the concept of perfect God and harmonious creation. Our eyes and ears don't take in this spiritual truth. But to begin to trust and feel that there is an intelligent creator who maintains the harmony of His creation, is prayer that tends to quiet fear and confusion and bring divine power to bear on world events.

Christ Jesus' humble acceptance of spiritual truth, of his Father's absolute supremacy, made him mighty in the face of unprecedented hatred and all the destructive elements of mortal thought. In the face of our unprecedented challenge, our greatest need may be for more of this Christly humility. If nuclear force seems to mock God's all-power, we may need more than ever to bow before Him as our omnipotent Father. If the fear of chaos and accident seems rampant, all of mankind, one by one, may need to more meekly acknowledge that God not only creates all but controls all.

The first effect of this yielding may be to decrease our fears and to increase peace in our hearts. The more we pray to God, the more we will understand what Nebuchadnezzar came to accept of God, as told in the book of Daniel: ''He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?'' n3

n3 Daniel 4:35.

Another effect of such humble prayer is that it increases the influence for good in the world. Just how, we may not always know. But when even a single individual yields to God's law of good, and realizes the universal authority of that law, all are benefited. When any one of us feels more of God's love, the world as a whole is helped to feel that love.

We do not need to know how God works as much as we need to humbly admit that He does work to transform and harmonize the thoughts of mankind, even in the highest secret councils. Paul surely had faith that this would happen. He writes: ''I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.'' n4

n4 1 Tinothy 2:1, 2.

In tomorrow's Monitor the topic of nuclear proliferation will be discussed as part of the paper's ''Great Decisions '83'' series. Humble prayer to God is a practical and effective approach to this challenge. The tender, powerful truths of God and man, realized in prayer, must inevitably bring order and control to human life. What can equal the power of God? DAILY BIBLE VERSE Be ye . . . sober and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7