acceptable prayer

Maybe I was praying for him then, in my own way. Does God have a set way of prayer, a way that He expects each of us to follow? I doubt it. I believe some people-- lots of people-- pray through the witness of their lives, through the work they do, the friendships they have, the love they offer people and receive from people. Since when are words the only acceptable form of prayer?”

                                                    Dorothy Day

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It is almost reflexive

When bad things happen we pray

There is a death

“Thoughts and prayers” we say

There is a terrible accident

“Thoughts and prayers”

A hurricane hits, or a tornado

“Thoughts and prayers”

Another mass shooting

“Thoughts and prayers”

And that is lovely

And meaningful

And it all helps

That love, sent winging on its way

To those in need

But perhaps the most powerful prayers

Also involve action

Not just words of love an concern

But acts of love

It is instructive that the book that follows the various stories of Jesus

(The Gospels)

Is not the thoughts and prayers of the disciples

But the ACTS of the disciples

Prayer and action

Or perhaps action moved and guided by prayer

is a powerful thing

There is a story about the kindergarten teacher

Who gave her class a "show and tell" assignment.

Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion.

The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David." 

The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary." 

The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am Presbyterian, and this is a casserole."

When there is a death prayers are important

So is presence

So are mutual tears

So is food

When there is a house fire, prayers are important

So are clothes, and furniture

When there is illness, prayers are important

So is a ride to the doctor,

Or a ride to the specialist, far, far, away

So is a visit

So is a shoulder to lean against

When the trials come

Sickness, famine, poverty, hate, violence, loneliness

It is time to prayer

Not only through our words

But through the witness of our lives

“Jesus loves you, here’s a toaster”  (Rob Bell)