I read with interest Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin's recent commentary on our appetite for more ("The problem of desire," Dec. 12). She rightly describes desire as "that shape-shifting seducer" which can never be satisfied. She also points out the positive aspects of desire as driving our ambition and our curiosity.

Her essay showed the dilemma of desire: It can have a good form and a bad form. As a Christian Scientist, I have grappled with a proper view of desire, but have found answers in the words of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. She had this to say about desire: "Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be molded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds."

When I first encountered Mrs. Eddy's writings, the idea that "desire is prayer" was new to me, but I saw what she meant. We have some choice over our desires. I have used this idea many times since first reading it. I used it in choosing a job — not to satisfy pride but to accomplish good. I used it in praying about disciplining my children — not to merely make them obedient, but to help them to make good choices. Mrs. Eddy provided further guidelines in these words. "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds."

These powerful ideas have greatly helped me get a grip on false desire and replace it with the desire that inspires and transforms. Thanks to Rabbi Cardin for writing on this important and timely issue.

Brenda Evers, Ellicott City