The Gift of Prayer (04/14/2024)

I was settled in the pew when a young family joined me. The mom appeared with two preschoolers. She settled them and their belongings in the pew. Then she lowered the kneeler, knelt down, made the sign of the cross, folded her hands and began to pray. A few seconds later, the little boy hopped off his perch on the pew, knelt down, folded his hands, and looked up at his mother. The smiles they exchanged said everything. A few moments later, uncomfortable because he was looking into the back of a pew, he stood on the kneeler, hands still folded, and carried on. Soon, the little girl joined in, respectfully, in perfect imitation.

When the mom was done with her prayer, she sat down and pulled her son and daughter toward the pew. They came initially, but then the boy whispered to his mom, “I’m not done.” And in a flash, he returned to the kneeler, hands folded, angelic expression upon his face. And for another couple of minutes, he prayed.

The images of those moments continue to stay with me: the example of the mom, the children’s imitation of their mom, the expression of love within their glance, the little boy’s insistence on finishing his prayer. The images beg me to reflect upon my own life and the role of prayer within it.

Obviously, the mom was a woman of faith; otherwise, she would not have been there with two preschoolers. Obviously, the children had witnessed their mom pray before because their imitation of her was so exact. Obviously, prayer time for the children had been loving time, hence the exchange of smiling glances between mom and son. Obviously, the children had learned to pray from their mom and had a sense of how to do it; otherwise, the boy wouldn’t have insisted on finishing.

The experience and the memories lead me to examine my own journey. I have spent time reflecting and asking myself about my own prayer and whether or not I’ve set an example for others with it, through it. Are my prayers acts of love? Are they seen as such by others? Do I bring joy to my prayer? I’ve also reflected on my example in general. What kind of example as a Christian on the way have I given to others? Is it a loving one that begs imitation? Do those witnessing what I do and hearing what I say know of my love for them?

I learned so much from witnessing that young family. I doubt they realize that they were teaching this old woman while they did what was natural for them. They probably don’t realize that they reminded me of a very important consideration in life – one never knows who’s watching.

Let us continue with great joy our Easter Season journey. Let us do so as people of prayer. Let us recognize the witness we give daily not just by our words but by our actions.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.