How does prayer relate to healing in Christian Science?

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The Mother Church at the Christian Science Center in Boston stands beside a large reflecting pool, with its domed roof and ornate facade visible under a partly cloudy sky. — Christian Science The Mother Church and reflecting pool, Christian Science Center, Boston.

In Christian Science, the cure of disease through prayer is considered a fundamental element of the process of redemption. Rather than viewing healing as a miraculous intervention, the denomination teaches that overcoming the limitations of the mortal state is possible as one gains "the mind of Christ"—an understanding of humanity's true spiritual status.1

Christian Science posits that the material world and the belief that life or mind evolve from matter are based on inadequate human perception. Consequently, prayer involves looking beyond these material appearances to a spiritual reality that the church considers a demonstrable fact.1

Systematic study and prayer are central to the life of the church, with the "Bible lesson-sermon"—comprising passages from the Bible and Science and Health—serving as the core of this practice. While the church maintains a full-time healing ministry through Christian Science practitioners, members are not compelled to practice faith healing and often utilize medical services for specific needs such as broken bones or dental care.1