This is so wonderful because it is a GREAT reminder to start your thinking with expectancy rather than pleading with God. Starting with God and NOT the problem. I love this-- thank you Mark!

Thank you Mark for this great healing message. A common denominator in healing is our receptivity to Gods word. Our expectancy of good makes room for the Christ in our consciousness and allows it to be a perfect dwelling place. Mary Baker Eddy says in Pulpit and Press,"Our reliance upon material things must be transferred to a perception of and dependence on spiritual things." In her primary work Science and Health she says, "The divine Spirit, which identified Jesus thus centuries ago, has spoken through the inspired Word and will speak through it in every age and clime. It is revealed to the receptive heart, and is again seen casting out evil and healing the sick." Receptivity changes lives; it ushers in healing.

Thank you so much Mark. That meant a lot to me.

Nothing changes here, at least, good doesn't. CS Hymn 148
If we want a situation to change we need to be that change ourselves.
When I pray I need to be willing to accept a change, to completely give in to the idea which will come to me with that prayer, better yet, to see God's law in action.
This accomplished is what in Christian Science we call, a demonstration of God's power in our life.

ESPAÑOL
Nada cambia aquí, al menos el bien no cambia. Himno de la CC Nº148
Si queremos cambiar una situación nesesitamos ser ese cambio nosotros mismos.
Cuando oro debo estar dispuesta a aceptar un cambio, a entregarme por completo a la idea que me vendrá con la oración, mejor aún, a ver la ley de Dios en acción.
El lograr esto es lo que en la Ciencia Cristiana llamamos una demostración del poder de Dios en nuestra vida.

This is another of your great Lifts, Mark. I'm continually amazed by the answers to prayers, or questions, or just whatever I need to know right then. The answers are not always immediate, and sometimes there is no verbal direction, - then. But in the coming days or weeks there'll be wonderful acts of good, directions I may not have taken without a specific push or shove, and fresh and enlightening Truths just for me. Well yes, for everyone, but given into my consciousness. One time I was reading an article in a Christian Science Journal and a paragraph stood out in bolder letters. I really needed to know what it told me. Receptivity - it really means seeing clearly, doesn't it, Mark.
Thank you Nate and Shannon for your wonderful gifts to us every week; and to the Board and Lecturers also; and to our wondrous Daily Lift community.

Excellent!

This is beautiful! I am very grateful for your insight, it's exactly what I was pondering over on this automnally early morning. Thank you so much!!

Thank you for pointing out the importance of receptivity and the willingness to have a change of thought, to abandon what we used to think and embrace a new idea. I have faced some challenges these past few months that have forced me to become more receptive to God's plan for me and not just try to do it my way. Could another aspect of receptivity be accepting God's willingness that we be healed? Mary Baker Eddy asks in Science and Health (p. 218) "Why pray for the recovery of the sick, if you are without faith in God's willingness and ability to heal them?" to me this means that I not only need to be more willing to embrace new ideas from God, but also to be receptive to God's willingness to heal me.

Mark, Thank you - reaching out my hand is important, and expecting to receive something of God ia also important

Thanks Mark, A lovely lift, indeed. I like the idea that we are taking the Lord's name in vain if we are not receptive for that which we are asking. Thus we are breaking the third commandment. I have always loved that story of Jesus healing the man with with withered hand. Commanding him to stretch forth his hand could also be that Jesus expected him to stretch, or enlarge his thinking to the possibility that he could be healed, again expectancy. As Mrs Eddy tells us in Science and Health, page 426 "When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress"

Thank you so much - need this clear valuable insight a lot!

I am so grateful for this Lift. Expectancy of good immediately diminishes both fear and doubt, as the focus of thought is so completely different. In which mental state do we choose to be at home?

Dear Mark, thank you for the pointer that when we have prayed, opened our thought to God, then we need to embrace that new idea which God has given. It is exactly right for this moment. That is to me to be at-one with divine Mind. It is universal. Jesus patiently showed us in so many ways. And this truth of receptivity is true for me and everyone.

Thank you so much for this bright podcast today - receptivity is the spiritual capacity to engender receiving, and I love the simple way this has been explained. Scientific Christianity in practice indeed...Much love to the BoL and the team for making these Daily Lifts - our local branch church has several members some distance apart from each other but we know each other is able to tune in...great.

Many thanks Mark for this great reminder. Yes. "Abandon what you used to think, what you used to be afraid of." And rejoice! "Sing praise, O waking heart,/ For all thy God hath wrought;/ For Truth's clear light on thee hath shone,/ And purified thy thought." (Christian Science Hymnal #14).

Thank you so much Mark, my husband has been out of work on and off for the past 4 years. Beginning last week I asked him daily to expect good to happen today. My husband in not a CS but he agreed to do so. This week I am asking him to also be grateful for his job, the one God will reveal. I too am being grateful for his job knowing wherever he will be placed it will be a blessing for us, just what we need, but most importantly he will be a blessing for his employer and fellow employees. We will continue to be have "eager ears, expectant, joyful, Ready for Thy right commands." Hymn 58 v2. Thank you #10, Rosemary for that quote. Our proof of progress- a daily increase in job interviews for the past 2 weeks!. This week, especially, has been one of unfolding, yielding, identifying error and stripping off its mask and being receptive. What blessing will tomorrow bring? =D I too am truly in awe how these Daily Lifts meet so many needs.

Thank you Mark! I often express gratitude, but don't often ask or expect to receive. Your uplifting lesson is encouraging as I begin my day.

Thank you

Mark,

Thanks for putting a new light on those healing accounts from the Bible. I never thought of that aspect before and it gives me a lot to ponder.

Thank you so much Mark! To remind me to practice receptivity to bless myself and others. as you said the receptivity is a big part of efficient prayer.

Thank you and all the Lifters for your inspiring thoughts. They have been very helpful just what I need. Many thanks.

thank you mark

This lift should be enormously helpful to us all - we all need to develop receptivity in order to progress spiritually - I certainly do. I am encouraged by a passage from Science & Health in which Mrs. Eddy says:- "Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right," She is taking a quote from Romans 8:21.

Many thanks for this very thoughtful lift, and to all the lifters for further inspiration.

Thank you.

thank you an important hint!

Thank you, Mark!
Exactly what our family needs!

To expect a "Jesus" healing every time is gratitude for his care and love.

Tanto Cristojesús como Eddy hicieron incapié en la forma de oración en un ceder a Dios para así poder ser receptivos a su gobierno dejando que fluyan las ideas divinas que nos guíaran hacia lo mejor para nosotros dejando de lado lo que podamos pensar y creer que es mejor, nadie sabe con tanta seguridad como Él lo que es mejor para nuestro desarrollo y para lo que tengamos que afrontar que no es de Él, y lo convirtamos en una experiencia de progreso espiritual en la certeza, que tenemos las armas para hacerlo pero sin duda para ello habremos tenido que ser receptivos a ese concimiento verdadero de que Él... no está en las tormentas ni en los errados hechos humanos que se nos presentan a nosotros para tentarnos sí, está en las benditas soluciones e indudablemente en la receptividad que tengamos a seguir la senda trazada por el Bien., siendo humildes y abnegados para sacrificar todo lo material y humano dejándolo de lado como a un proscripto, como lo que es.

Muchas gracias Mark, por el mensaje, que eleva.

Thank you Mark . . . .receptive and grateful for your, as always , beautiful and faith filled message .

Our task is to allow ourselves to come into harmony with our Source, God, Divine Love! Our task is to believe in, and look to, our true Source. Our task is to release fear, negative thinking, limitations, and short-supply thinking. Everything we need shall be provided to us. Let it become a natural response to all situations, and all situations of need. Cherish need because it is part of our relationship to God and His Universe. As Mrs. Eddy says, "Desire is Prayer......." God has planned to meet our every need, and has created the need within us, so God can supply!

Putting out the welcome mat for God.

Thank you for this lovely lift. Being receptive means being expectant of Divine inspiration. We want, even crave, to hear and know Spiritual ideas, which come from God, infinite Mind.

Thank you, Mark. I really needed to hear this. I am worthy of healing and my thought can be changed.

Thank you, Mark, for “Receptivity … a big part of the effective prayer … be willing ... scientific prayer in action.” Interesting to consider “receptivity” and “willingness” as “action.” And yet that preparedness, that level of expectation is key to accepting our healings. There was a time when I realized that I wasn’t accepting my healings/my blessings. I would pray - even unceasingly! But, I wouldn’t listen. I knew God was always with me; but, I wouldn’t really listen. So, I wasn't really with God! I’d go about doing my own thing. It was good; but … it was the “harder way!” - my way! not “the smarter way” - God’s way! When this became clear to me, I had to smile. I pictured myself over past years, holding my arms close to my sides with clenched fists, instead of with outstretched arms and open hands with palms up to receive God’s outpouring of Love. I pictured a bazillion blessings just dribbling down the front of me – me! with an attitude of “I’ll do it myself.” Smile? Actually, I have to laugh. I’ve learned since to just relax and let God be God to me. I’ve gladly, gratefully surrendered. “I can of mine own self do nothing … because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). “God is Love. Can we ask Him to be more?” It’s “… all good, since He is unchanging wisdom and Love” (Science and Health, 2:23; 2:8). I’ve been increasingly yielding to wisdom and Love. Life is a lot easier and happier, now that I’m receiving the blessings. I'm a better Christian healer and it all begins with receptivity.

Thanks, Mark. I expected to receive something good on the Daily Lift today, -- and here it is! Goodie!

An excellent insight, Mark--thank you!

Thanks for another of your thoughtful lifts (I've listened to it twice), and to commenters for their ideas. This lift reminded me of a powerful thought that came a few years ago. I was praying to know what to do, but not really listening quietly for God's voice. The thought came: "Why pray for guidance if you aren't willing to follow what is given?" That was just what I needed to hear. That willingness to be receptive brought healing from the eternal Christ..

I also love the thought that "Patience is the expectancy of good." We can patiently expect good because we know that is all that God has for us and he never withholds anything good from His precious children.

Thank you Mark.

So upLifting, Mark! I'm grateful.
Doesn't Mrs. Eddy say that humility is our first step?
So when we humbly ask God to show us a better way,
give us a clearer sense of... anything/everything,
this receptive attitude enables us to hear the right messages,
feel the good direction to go, or not to go.
We know that in truth we are always in God's perfect care,
huh. It's just our present sense of things that feels...out of line.
I'm so glad this can change!

It would have been embarrassing for him to stick out his ugly withered hand in front of others. Jesus was asking for complete surrender of pride, of the old self, in a kind of trade for healing. I know there is a better word for this than "trade", but I can't think of it at the moment. Thanks!

Thank you very much for this wonderful lift.

Thank you. This reminds of the passage in Science & Health where it says "Willingness to become as a little child and leave the old for the new renders thought receptive of the advanced idea."

Regarding that great story of healing, I've always thought that it might have seemed difficult for the man to obey Jesus' command - as it would clearly expose the problem to others who might not otherwise notice it. But he had the humility and grace to obey, showing everyone a condition that others might laugh at, some might even think he was a sinner who deserved this condition as a "punishment" - but obeying brought an instantaneous healing and change of thought, probably evident to everyone present. This reminds me to face up to problems and deal with them - expecting the change of thought that will change the situation.
Thnks again, Mark, for this uplift.

Thanks Mark, I really like this reminder.

Thank you, Mark!
Just perfect!

Its about being creative in realizing the ways God hears our prayers I think. Thanks for the Lift today when so many people on the East Coast particularly need our help.

Thank you Mark and thanks to the Lift team. Thanks to folks who are sharing.

Thank you so much dear Mark for your beautiful and inspiring message. Much love

Thank you. Excellent point! Receptivity is the expectancy of good!

Amen! Thank you, Mark, for laying it on the line..."taking the Lord's name in vain" if we pray without having first put EVERYTHING on the altar...in my case, self-will, habit, fear, comfort zone, etc. I think I sometimes feel afraid to pray that way (all-out prayer) because I do understand that things will change. But that change is for the better! And real identity is never lost--the dross that burns is just the "self-will, self-justification, and self-love" that aren't doing me or my loved ones much good anyway. (And were never really part of any of us.) Hearing your lift was a bit of an "ouch" -- like you pulled off a Band-Aid. But I was ready! So thanks.

Thank you.

P.S. Thanks, nela #34, and many others. I have a lot to learn from these comments. Love to all.

I greatly appreciate this lift. Thank you.

Well put, thank you for the clear and direct insight, delivered with love :)

Receptivity, for without that, prayer is done for naught. The majority thinks that prayer is the clasp of hands and the pleading with an unknown God to make things right, or what one may think that's right. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! True prayer is the closeness to God as a very young child has with his parents, the inner knowing that the human need will be met without a doubt.

Yes, thank you so much! I was thinking just yesterday — are we really willing to grow spiritually? To give up false beliefs we may be cherishing? Mrs. Eddy encouraged self-examination in the textbook of Christian Science. God works with us to see and know His/Her good.

Willing to change. Something to think about. Thank you!

Oh, thank you! It's that really yearning and listening for the message that translates into what appears as healing, isn't it? And, as you say, the willingness even eagerness to exchange the misperception for the clear view of ourselves, others, and especially God that allows the elevated concept to appear and be the real for us thereafter. This week's Bible Lesson really did that for me, beginning with the joyful singing of David about his feeling the loving presence and power of the Infinite Love always with him.

(#1) I too was pondering yesterday the need to say thank you in advance to God for what He is doing vs. "pleading" when BOOM, a flash of inspiration came just with that change in thought. (#31) I like the metaphor of putting out a Welcome Mat for God. That is just beautiful. Have a great day everyone!

God has already given me Everything and it's within me. As Jesus so wisely said: "The Kingdom of Heaven is within YOU!!!!"

Thank you Mark for this focus on a spiritual quality - receptivity - that results in healing. Before asking the man to stretch forth his hand, Jesus had the man stand up and asked all in the synagogue whether it was lawful to do good or to do evil on the Sabbath Day? Can you be receptive to the blessings of Spirit, or are you condemning man to the crippling and destructive power of material conditions?

Thank you. So true.

I, too, love the Daily Lift today. Willing to receive the Christ, Truth, "will form you anew".

I love the word "abandon!" Makes me think about leaving the "old" for the new "Holy City."
Thanks for this freeing DL and to the team that brings our world community together to demonstrate Church. We are so, so grateful!

I think that since Jesus asked the guy to stretch forth his hand, he knew the guy had that receptivity already in him. To me, it seems that God had put the receptivity there; Jesus was just calling it forth. How could the guy not obey? The receptivity was in him. Likewise for us, as I am learning. This is a great Daily Lift, Mark. Thank you.

This receptivity to totally change our taken-for-granted beliefs and false authorities, even to let go of over 10,000 years of agriculture to find answers, to learn the truth, was when Paul Gautschi humbly turned to God in prayer, asking how he could feed his family when the drought and inadequate well water left no hope. He was receptive and obedient without judgment or argument when God said to turn around. While his orchard and garden were drying up, dying, the adjacent forest was lush and full of life, even with trees with shallower roots. His humble receptivity: How could this be? His obedience to the answer: getting down on his knees, feeling the soil that was so rich, fluffy, full of life under the layers of leaves and branches, then copying nature on his land. 11 years ago he added manure and 16" of chipped branches and hasn't tilled, irrigated, fertilized, used pesticides/herbicides, and what little weeding he has done has been easy, yet his orchards and gardens defy 10,000 years of science, with more and bigger apples and produce with far more nutrients, water, flavor, health, even with sun-loving plants thriving in shade, desert plants thriving alongside water plants. Next year he expects a great rice crop without water. His meek love and prayerful obedience can be enjoyed in Back to Eden, and this can answer humanity's pressing concerns about diminishing water, fertility, energy, infrastructure, good climate, food nutrition, food/water justice, democracy, peace. It started with meek trust in God and receptivity to let go of all he/we had once held as true. It resulted in great joy blessing others with different climates, soils, crops. Receptivity gives great fruits.

In some Christian churches I have visited (with family/friends) the congregation raises up their arms and opens outstretched hands to the heavens. I used to find this odd until I realized that it symbolized expectancy, receptivity to blessings that pour so abundantly from God's goodness. If our fists are clenched, we can't receive those blessings! I am praying to be more receptive each day: are my "hands", (my consciousness) open wide to receive new ideas, fresh views from an ever expanding understanding of God and "the amplitude of his dear Love." (Hymnal). Great daily lift, Mark, I feel like I've had a chat with you this morning! A much needed one. Love to all lifters and the team!

Thank You, Thank You , Thank You

Dear Mark, I am so often uplifted by reading and hearing your words expressing your deep understanding of our Christian Science textbooks.
In expressing my gratitude to you, I can not do better than repeat the first sentence of #59 - SiouxZ,
"Oh, thank you! It's that really yearning and listening for the message that translates into what appears as healing, isn't it?"
My gratitude extends to all who prepare the rich Daily Lifts and to all who respond with comments.

From the 1943 race riots, it was Marshall Rosenberg's great love for others and receptivity yearning to learn how to help people relate with mutual love and respect, mutually meeting our needs, that led to his pivotal work with Compassionate or Nonviolent Communication that has ended genocide, battles, domestic violence, serial rape and child abuse, violent schools, painful relating, drug addictions, and on-going hostilities after genocide, war, and other terrorism in Rwanda, former Yugoslavia, Palestine, prisons, etc. He and his students have proven the healing success of receptivity to rethinking, to letting go of the stories or "truths"/lies we and society hold dear, to instead connect with each other's feelings about met and unmet needs, without judgment/evaluation/self-justification/separation. When we humbly are receptive to the fact that everything every human does is a conscious or unconscious attempt to meet our universal human needs, often with strategies and stories that are costly, ineffective, and counterproductive, it helps us look at each other with forgiving compassion and commitment to sharing deep empathy , and Love leads us to find the means for meeting our human needs. In CS we know that our eternal perfection includes all right ideas and this drives us as the deepest needs to live from those qualities of Love. He has found that within 20 minutes of deeply empathizing with ourselves and "the other(s)", the parties find the solutions that meet their needs, and with that, great insight, relief, peace, joy in contributing to each others' thriving. It means that we don't have to suffer, grieve, blame or use others to get our needs met, since we have the capacity to empathize with and meet our own needs and to bless others. It begins with receptivity. It transcends all religious, political, ethnic, victimhood, etc. separations. It results in the Golden Rule and heaven on earth, with great physical, psychic, political, economic, social healing for all involved. Receptivity.

Dearest Mark, Tears of gratitude for your angel message, God is working his purpose out. I will be obedient. Thank you,

Thank you!!

Just the best Mark. Just the best.

Thank you, Very much needed!!!

Thank you so much Mark. Yes, we need to "press the new idea"
Thanks again.
Steve

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference."

Truth, Wisdom, Love and Sincerity, to ALL mankind.

Rob Scott
Chicago, IL

MARK , grateful for your HITTING the TARGET so succinctly today on Receptivity.
And for ALL the lifters rich comments ...soooo helpful!!!

Each Lift is a gem! I'm so full of gratitude for this healing message, dear Mark and all upLifters.

When I have found the willingness, the humility to really listen with by whole being, I have heard the exact message needed. I am trying to cultivate this spiritual listening as a way of life. Not always easy with all the clamor, but worth it and so peaceful. God has the "response ability." I also like to be open to a healing feeling, touch or smell and not just to a citation or thought. I received a warm, healing glow which instantaneously healed an injured toe. Wish it lasted forever for everyone!

What a helpful point of view...willingness to change and be receptive to change. I was a bit startled when you said, I am taking God's name in vain if I am not being receptive to his message. Truth is very simple isn't it, but profound in how it affects our thinking and opens it for healing Love. Thanks, Mr. Swinney for this Lift. Will share it.

Thank you so very much for today's wonderful message.

Your Lift and all the remarks were soooo inspiring !!!

Receptivity is an epiphany. If you're lucky enough to receive a hoot from God you know it. It's complete & effective, & you know it. Like Tony the tiger says, "That was Great!" That podcast was really great! You are really full of IT. I could ask & say some other things about you now, but they might be considered gender specific. God saw all that He had made & it was very good.

What's kind of fun about recording these Daily Lifts is that I then have the opportunity to let my actions back up my words. So, I'm having a great day engendering receptivity and teachablity! God's blessings always are overflowing in us.

Thank you Mark, for the lift and for living it (comment #84). That uplifts all; I'll do my part too.

Wow, I learned a lot today!! Thank you, Mark and all my Lifter friends!!!
My welcome mat is out, the lights on and the door is wide open!!!!
Love to all

Mark, I saw this advance gratitude in action. While re-turning an item at a large store, I had already completed selecting new items to buy, but when I arrived at the re-turns section, all that I could find/locate was the receipt, but not the item. Thankfully, the clerk agreed to complete my check out, and I left to search my car for the lost item that needed returning.

No item was fouind. I paused and remembered that "God is ever present" and that I was grateful for all of God's presence, right there, right where I was parked.

I drove home, searched again everywhere that I had had the item. Again, I thanked God for all of his "presence" right where I was. With one more trip out to the car parked inside the garage, one small paper containing the item was sitting in front of the driver's seat, on the floor. Once again, I thanked God for his "ever presence". The item, safe now inside my zipped change purse, can be returned with God's guidance. Amen.

Insightful! Helpful! Many thanks!!

Thanks Mark! Very helpful and valuable ideas.

Thank you, Mark. Yes, a Christian Science treatment is effective, because it is the Truth. It is up to us to accept it - be receptive to it. I love what you say, "Don't tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is". I needed that today. I am telling my big problem that today. Christian Science treatment is effective - now and always.

Thanks Mark!

Interesting how even though you believe you are a procrastinator and listen a day late to the Daily Lift you can be expectant and open to gaining new insights. All you have to do is be ready and open to receive the good that's always been there!!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO START THE DAY,

Yes, Mark -- How important to remember receptivity! Thank you.

Wonderful, Wonderful. I love the way you phrased those familiar questions of Jesus, removing them from the sometimes lofty pulpit feeling that places their meaning at a great distance from the "everydayness" of Jesus' message as Christ still speaking to our consciousness. Rendering from those familiar statements a contemporary language of one person simply, but with love and sincerity, asking someone in need to look at their own thought to see what is needed is very revealing of thier timeliness today. Thanks for helping to bring Jesus' message "down to earth" where Christ is heard among us as the true idea voicing good.

Thank you.

People, non-believers, are not receptive beyond what they understand with their mentalities. But so what! I'm receptive to let God teach them & stay out of the way. People become receptive in the way they understand from within their belief system; God does the breaking & entering as he sees fit, and this works. God seems to do whatever is appropriate for you at any given moment. I Understand that. So do you.

I did a job the other day on 2 Shemricks ( pure materialists) who could not even talk about Ontology. One guy was a retired M.D. He said he thought God was ineffable. I told him I used to think that also, but that I found-out that it's teachable to learn to listen for Divine directives & follow them. They were stone-faced, looked at me with a blank stare. After a little material banter, they came back at me happy that I could do something for them materially. I had to reach 'um in their own terms; I was not abandoned. I tell you God was clearly with me.

Thanks so much, Mark!

WOW...and thanks to Dean B, too! Well said.

I love that Idea of abandoning your fears and embracing theTruth - embracing the new spiritual ideas that you have been enlightened by and which have brought about a change in your thinking.

huhuhu my tears! Yeah we don't have the reason to ask God Why, tgouhh sometimes i ask him why but we know that he will understand us!:)thanks for this cute video!:)

Meenu-New Delhi,India- 2/5/2013

Thank You, Mark for a Daily Lift on a particular relevant theme of Christian Science. This daily lift explained with clarity the significance of keeping our thoughts receptive to the advanced idea. Only when we are ready to change we leave old habits.When we are willing to change our thoughts are we ready to receive new ones.just as the way we need to empty old bottles to pour new wine & like putting off the old man to put on the new