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Angels in a storm

A Christian Science perspective: Prayers for safety in stormy weather.

  • By Michelle Boccanfuso Nanouche

What do you do when you find yourself in a sudden storm? How can you be certain of coming out safely? It can help to know that there are angels constantly with us. I’m not talking of feathered beings, or even of kind people, but of spiritual thoughts and intuitions sent from God to reveal the security He provides, and that is always at hand.

Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Monitor once wrote, “When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. Oh, may you feel this touch, – it is not the clasping of hands, nor a loved person present; it is more than this: it is a spiritual idea that lights your path! The Psalmist saith: ‘He shall give His angels charge over thee’ ” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” pp. 306-307).

Angels are always with us. These thoughts, coming to us from divine Love, God, provide security and care in any circumstance. Acquainting ourselves with God’s angels, His ever-present messages of truth and love, we can drop fear and discern the constancy of divine Love’s ability to meet our needs.

Once, while on a flight over Ohio, our plane was struck with heavy turbulence. The pilot had just warned us to buckle up tightly in preparation for a rough ride for the remainder of the flight. Sure enough, shortly after his announcement our little plane began to take a beating. As fear and agitation swept through the cabin, I closed my eyes and began to pray, reaching for the angel-idea that God, Love, had prepared for me.

Here was my angel – the inspired idea that met my need: If God is Love, and Love is all, I reasoned that true law – the actual forces that truly keep us safe – proceeds from only one possible source: divine Love, which is wholly spiritual. This meant that we were all the expression of that Love and upheld by this Principle, Love, whose law is supreme. Therefore, Love’s law was controlling the safety of everyone on our plane, and the law of Love could not be shaken or stopped by material or physical circumstances.

A sturdy calm sense of God’s love for me – for us all – came over me, replacing my fear. I then noticed that the rest of the passengers became quiet. In an instant, the violent shaking of the plane suddenly and abruptly stopped. No more mention was made of it by either the pilot or the crew, and the seatbelt sign was turned off. It was as if there had never been a prediction of a long and difficult flight. We didn’t experience another bump, jiggle, jolt, or sway for the rest of the flight, and we safely landed at our destination. I felt certain that we all had experienced the presence and power of divine Love.

In situations where torrent or turbulence shakes your confidence in your safety, I’ve found comfort in these verses from the 91st Psalm – a psalm that points to Love’s ever-present angels caring for you wherever you are: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.... He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.... For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands ...” (Verses 1, 4, 11, 12, New International Version)

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