Dear Dr Einstein, Do Scientists pray?

During Albert Einstein’s famed life, he received many letters & requests, and none were more fascinating than those he received from children.

Here’s a letter of note.

In January 1936, a young girl named Phyllis wrote to Einstein on behalf of her Sunday school class, and asked, “Do scientists pray?”

Her letter, and Einstein’s reply, can be read below. (via Letters of Note)

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The Riverside Church January 19, 1936 My dear Dr. Einstein, We have brought up the question: Do scientists pray? in our Sunday school class. It began by asking whether we could believe in both science and religion. We are writing to scientists and other important men, to try and have our own question answered. We will feel greatly honored if you will answer our question: Do scientists pray, and what do they pray for? We are in the sixth grade, Miss Ellis’s class. Respectfully yours, Phyllis

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January 24, 1936 Dear Phyllis, I will attempt to reply to your question as simply as I can. Here is my answer: Scientists believe that every occurrence, including the affairs of human beings, is due to the laws of nature. Therefore a scientist cannot be inclined to believe that the course of events can be influenced by prayer, that is, by a supernaturally manifested wish. However, we must concede that our actual knowledge of these forces is imperfect, so that in the end the belief in the existence of a final, ultimate spirit rests on a kind of faith. Such belief remains widespread even with the current achievements in science. But also, everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that some spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe, one that is vastly superior to that of man. In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of a special sort, which is surely quite different from the religiosity of someone more naive. With cordial greetings, your A. Einstein

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Book: Dear Professor Einstein: Albert Einstein’s Letters to and from Children (Amazon)

Here’s a small selection of Einstein’s replies to children (Link)

Need a faith lift?

“Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to God for a faith lift !” – Author (Unknown)

What they took to the Moon.

The Light of God surrounds me.
The Love of God enfolds me.
The Power of God protects me.
The Presence of God watches over me.
The Mind of God guides me.
The Life of God flows through me.
The Laws of God direct me.
The Power of God abides within me.
The Joy of God uplifts me.
The Strength of God renews me.
The Beauty of God inspires me.
Wherever I am, God is!

This beautiful and powerful prayer (Prayer For Protection) was written by James Dillet Freeman for all soldiers during World War II.

In 1969, US astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin took this prayer along on the Apollo 11 mission, the 1st manned moon mission. Neil Amstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first 2 men to walk on the moon and they spent 2 1/2 hours exploring the lunar terrain.

In 1971, on the Apollo 15 mission, astronaut James B. Irwin left a microfilm copy of James Freeman’s poem “I Am There” on the moon for future voyagers. The poem was given to Irwin by his mother just before he went on the lunar mission.

From Life is a Wonder by James Dillet Freeman: “It [‘Prayer for Protection’ ] has been changed and changed again before it reached the form that it now has that best meets people’s needs. This prayer is the product of much thought and concentration and of a mind that was willing to stay open to receive divine inspiration.”

Read more Freeman’s poems here.
Hear Freeman reading his poems here.
View historical picture of the Apollo 11 Astronauts bowing their heads in prayer within the quarantine facility upon their safe return to Earth, joined by President Nixon and Lt. Commander John Pirrto, USS Hornet Chaplain (in white uniform).

Mary, did you know?

There are several versions of this song. This is my favourite: