Use your time well during quarantine

March 24, 2020 | 35 comments

Millions of people around the world are being told to stay home because of the coronavirus. It’s a form of social quarantine government authorities are counting on to help stop the spread of the disease. As a result, streets are empty, public places quiet, and homes filled with people wondering what to do with themselves in the interim.

If you are one of these people, wonder no more!! There’s plenty you can be doing!

Just because your body may be quarantined to a physical location, doesn’t mean your thinking needs to go into lockdown mode. There is something very significant you can be doing. You can pray for the salvation of humanity from this most recent plague.

There are no limits on how far a prayer can reach and how many people it can heal.

Telling us how to protect ourselves from a virus and help our neighbor at the same time, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited” (Miscellany, p. 210).

Quarantine can be used very productively for the benefit of the whole world. It’s a time to silence fears of the human mind, dissolve false beliefs about disease circulating in the public consciousness, and to treat the public consciousness with spiritual truth.

Our individual prayers make a collective difference. We can change the world for the better from home. We can save lives with our prayers.

I hope and pray you are using your time in quarantine well!!

35 thoughts on “Use your time well during quarantine”

  1. Thank you so much, Evan, for this uplifting message. Just this morning, I saw that it IS possible to go for a walk between my bedroom and my living room for half an hour, without my thinking going in circles. It demands some discipline, as in every endeavour, but I am learning to pray for the world, my family, neighbours and myself more easily, just as when I go for a walk outside. There is so much to learn and discover, even when staying at home.
    Thank you for all your prayers for the world.

  2. I open the Bible randomly every morning to see what message God has for me.
    Today I was stunned to open to Judges 7, about Gideon, when an army overwhelmingly outnumbering Israel were camped against them. God told him, astonishingly, that the men in Gideon’s army were TOO MANY! He had to cull them down from 22,000 to 300, “lest they say mine own hand hath saved thee.” With unity, faith, and obedience they surrounded the enemy, blew trumpets, smashed pitchers holding lamps and shouted into the silence of the night that God triumphed, and the enemy fled. Faithfully praying, surrounding and breaking all lies that hide the gleaming truth of God’s allness, and letting the truth trumpet triumphantly in consciousness, this will bring victory! It only takes a few. It’s God’s battle, not ours. and God has already won.

    1. Thanks so much for this awesome example of God’s power!

      Of course we want all hands on deck praying – there can never be too many.

    2. Good reminder that it’s not human efforts however well intentioned, but God’s saving grace that will give us the victory. It’s obvious human efforts are falling short.
      I like the way you put it! Thanks! (=

    3. Thanks so much Evan and Diane! Great thoughts. I love being able to continue doing almost all I usually do, spending plenty of time in prayer, study, and practice, going for walks in the almost deserted neighbourhood and parks, shopping fearlessly for what we need when we need it. So grateful to God for this pause to be able to comfort and encourage others and to get clearer views of what really matters. It’s so quiet out there. The pace has slowed down. Much less traffic. It’s peaceful and uncrowded.
      I can tangibly feel God’s love embracing and gentling the world. Revel in each “DAY.The irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love.” SH. 584:1.

    4. Wow, this is a great eye-opener to the fact that God does not need “favorable” human circumstances to effect proof of His presence. The story of Gideon is a great illustration of that.

      It reminds me of the dairy farmer whose well was empty because it hadn’t rained and when brought to Mrs. Eddy’s attention, she responded with “if only he know that divine Love fills that well.” The next day, his well was full even though it hadn’t rained. (MBE: Christian Healer)

      S&H tells us …
      “As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation which before were invisible will become visible.” (S&H 264 264:13-15)

  3. Sage, simple, advice. In my day piritual study has been maintained and expanded. It goes beyond the daily Bible Lesson, and includes reading through Science and Health, various JSH Online archive articles, current periodicals, and Prose Works. There is abundance all around. Further, a friend from my Association and I are corresponding via email. As we share mutual inspiration and uplift occur-“Love reflected in Love.” This is the perfect time for consecrated study and prayer. Deepest love to all.

  4. This was in the March 23rd Christian Science Monitor.

    Self-isolation as a gift, not a grind
    Staying home is not only a sanctuary from a virus but also a still place to reorder life’s priorities.

    By the Monitor’s Editorial Board
    As it leads the global battle against the coronavirus, the World Health Organization has advised people to manage their mental well-being as much as their physical health. The advice is especially true for the hundreds of millions of people who have self-isolated during the pandemic. WHO suggests engaging in healthy activities to relax, eating well, and keeping regular sleep routines.

    Yet WHO (World Health Organization) also knows such advice may not be enough for those people hunkered down at home with feelings of fear, loneliness, and sadness. The agency also recommends people be empathetic toward those with COVID-19, seek accurate information about the crisis, and find safe ways to help others in isolation.

    “Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper,” the agency stated.

    In other words, one’s home is now both a sanctuary from the virus and a place to rethink the principles that ought to govern home life. Are we seeking out truthful sources of news? How can we better calm a friend with loving assurance? What new ways of expressing life might be possible during the still silence of self-isolation?

    For many, the pandemic is reshuffling the notion of home as a sanctuary, or a sheltering space that allows one to anchor one’s thoughts and values. People are redefining their cords of attachment in new ways. Instead of going to religious services in person, they are worshipping online. Instead of going to parties, weddings, sporting events, or even funerals, they are holding digital gatherings.
    Adjusting to a new life of quarantine can have its rewards. “All of this can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be,” wrote the leaders of the United Methodist Church in Simsbury, Connecticut, in a message to congregants. “This can be a time where we can deepen our prayer life, increase our meditation time and work to expand the peace of God around us as those near and dear grapple with heightened anxiety.”

    WHO’s (World Health Organization) call for people to maintain their mental well-being is meant as a challenge. In the sanctuary of one’s home, some of the old ways of thinking about relationships, skills, and interests must be rethought. The isolation can be a gift, not a grind, especially as a new inner life leads to bettering oneself as well as the lives of others.

    Related stories
    FIRST LOOK Europe emerges as new frontline in fight against coronavirus
    THE MONITOR’S VIEW A pandemic’s generous responders
    THE MONITOR’S VIEW To end a pandemic, the world becomes a classroom

    1. Thanks Evan for this open livingroom conversation today, and always on Spiritview. Thanks to all who have commented! and thanks Karen for posting the March 23 message from The Christian Science Monitor! — with that encouraging message from the United Methodist Church in Simsbury, Connecticut, in a message to congregants. “This can be a time where we can deepen our prayer life, increase our meditation time and work to expand the peace of God around us as those near and dear grapple with heightened anxiety.”
      We are unified in One Family – by The Lord’s Prayer.
      Our Father-Mother God, all harmonious IS IN CHARGE!
      Love to all

  5. Just heard on news of a man from Georgia that was in hospital with the virus & he prayed. He heard God tell him he would live and breath. He went from dire symptoms to clear breathing The doctor asked him the next day if he was a praying man & he said yes that was why he was healed – God did it! This was on Fox News with Shannon Bream late last night.
    We can expect more good news like this!

    1. Wow! Wonderful news! Thanks for sharing. Yes! Expecting more good news like this. Prayer is effective and God is good. (=

  6. Enforced quiet time to gently and quietly think about my life and how it might be made better is a good thing. Also a good time to think about Life, God,

    Psalm 103
    Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

  7. Thank you Evan and commenters! Being forced to stay home has meant more time to be in the “closet” of prayer- quieting the noise of fear and panic and just acknowledging the infinite Love and protection of our God. I love the story of the man in hospital that was able to hear that “still , small, voice ” declaring that he shall live and breathe! The voice of Truth is going out to all mankind and as spiritual beings they hear it and are benefited by it. Whatever the human need- God has infinite supply. Truth is here and it is dispelling they illusion of the senses. We can stand vigil for our world by holding firm to Truth!

  8. Evan is right! We CAN change the world for the better from home. We CAN save lives with our prayers!
    Our SpiritView community lives around the globe, yet we come together daily to support each other, share Love, and send healing and comforting messages to one another, which then exponentially blesses untold millions. This practice will continue. NOW is the time. My heart rejoices as I see new opportunities daily. Thanks to every one of you; most especially, our One Heavenly Parent and the two who revealed the Truth.

  9. Thank you! This is secretly what I believed, but it is nice to hear it said and to hear from all the responders. This is a useful time to reprioritize and get close to God.

  10. The universality of Truth! Thank you all for these positive, healing thoughts.
    I’m going to forward this to as many as I can. Freedom from fear is what’s required.
    Confidence by learning of other’s successful testimonies.

  11. Thanks so much Evan. I love the first part of the wise counsel you quoted from Mrs. Eddy too “Beloved Christian Scientist, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to a mind already full. There is no door through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill in a mind filled with goodness.” (Miscellany p. 210:2-7) There’s our immunity! Life, Truth and Love to all.

  12. Thank you Evan. The COVID-19 is providing us with some very important reminders and lessons. The quote from What our Leader Says is, of course, a salient reminder. So is “You must control evil thoughts in the first instance, or they will control you in the second.” (SH, p. 234:26) We really must “stand porter at the dour of thought” with all diligence, PROMPTNESS, and perseverance. Not only for our individual thought but more importantly for the world thought.

  13. Thank you for the encouragement, Evan! My Christian Science retirement community has organized a Prayer Watch, as was done in Mrs. Eddy’s household. I hope other CS church communities will do the same.

  14. Thank you very much, dear Evan for your so uplifting, yes healing and comforting SpiritView!.
    Yes I`ll use the time at home well! But also I feel like holyday, too. It is good to rest in calmness and peace. I study the weekly lesson sermon more thoroughly. And I notice that my praying for me and the world is deeper and with more understanding of the spiritual meaning of the prayers.
    Thank you a l l for your inspired and interesting comments. It gives me a lot!

  15. Thanks Evan. And so I am, but good, succinct, reminders! LOL, who knows how many more full time CS practitioners may come out of this! It certainly is in my thought!

  16. I am happy to learn of healed man in hospital. I have been learning
    Freedom from fear with reliance on God as all inclusive Love and including all. pg 414 of Science and Health lines 21 to 27. States that
    Harmony is universal and discord unreal. Also an article by
    Charles Ferris in booklet Safety “Everyday Spiritual Self-Defense”
    Very helpful . thanks again Evan and all . We are safe in God’s care.

  17. Thanks Evan for this open livingroom conversation today, and always on Spiritview. Thanks to all who have commented! and thanks Karen for posting the March 23 message from The Christian Science Monitor! — with that encouraging message from the United Methodist Church in Simsbury, Connecticut, in a message to congregants. “This can be a time where we can deepen our prayer life, increase our meditation time and work to expand the peace of God around us as those near and dear grapple with heightened anxiety.”
    We are unified in One Family – by The Lord’s Prayer.
    Our Father-Mother God, all harmonious IS IN CHARGE!
    Love to all

  18. Thanks Evan – not forgetting opportunities for community prayer on WhatsApp and other media.

  19. Thank you, Diane! -“Faithfully praying, surrounding and breaking all lies that hide the gleaming truth of God’s allness, and letting the truth trumpet triumphantly in consciousness… It’s God’s battle, not ours. and God has already won.”

    My teacher also wrote today of this gleaming truth of God’s allness: “Your kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is not having to be connected up to this world. It is entirely separate, whole, complete, harmonious, free, and safe, now. This kingdom is not applied to another: it is instead of any otherness. The only kingdom is our present conscious identity as Soul, the one Ego. The fact that the outward world appears to respond is incidental, and is the result of the world of mortal appearances giving place and so hiding less the omniscient divinity of your Being. There is nothing outside consciousness. That is why good does not come TO you nor can it be taken FROM you, and you have innate dominion over what you are accepting as consciousness. You do not have to be on the defensive ever. Life is as safe as God.”

    “All consciousness is Mind, and Mind is God, an infinite and not a finite consciousness.”
    (Ret.56:18)

    1. “This kingdom is not applied to another: it is instead of any otherness. The only kingdom is our present conscious identity as Soul, the one Ego.” Barbara, this is so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing!

  20. hymn 93 is what I am praying with for the world today.

    Happy the man whose heart can rest,
    Assured God’s goodness ne’er will cease;
    Each day, complete, with joy is blessed,
    God keepeth him in perfect peace. /

    God keepeth him, and God is one,
    One Life, forevermore the same,
    One Truth unchanged while ages run;
    Eternal Love His holiest name. /

    Dwelling in Love that cannot change,
    From anxious fear man finds release;
    No more his homeless longings range,
    God keepeth him in perfect peace. /

    In perfect peace, with tumult stilled,
    Enhavened where no storms arise,
    There man can work what God hath willed;
    The joy of perfect work his prize.

  21. Also this hymn is perfect for just now…139 and each time I have gone to the shops I set these words in my thoughts before I walk from my car…and know that EVERY SINGLE PERSON also “walks with Love along the way”, too!
    NOT ONE PERSON is walking in a danger zone or is a “haven” for disease…we can all only reflect God’s perfection and power. How can there be imperfection IN PERFECTION? Ask yourself….there is only God and His idea…matter has no intelligence with which to move itself about. There is ONE Mind and one power and it is up to us to KNOW that.

    I walk with Love along the way,
    And O, it is a holy day;
    No more I suffer cruel fear,
    I feel God’s presence with me here;
    The joy that none can take away
    Is mine; I walk with Love today.

    Who walks with Love along the way,
    Shall talk with Love and Love obey;
    God’s healing truth is free to all,
    Our Father answers every call;
    ‘Tis He dispels the clouds of gray
    That all may walk with Love today.

    Come, walk with Love along the way,
    Let childlike trust be yours today;
    Uplift your thought, with courage go,
    Give of your heart’s rich overflow,
    And peace shall crown your joy-filled day.
    Come, walk with Love along the way.

  22. Thanks everyone for your uplifting comments. And thank you Evan for creating this wonderful space for us all every day.

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