shared prayer

Spiritual resource to share: sharing what you love

I am now involved in two ecumenical groups - both of which are involved in caring for others: one at the hospital ( I'm on the prayer team there) and one for the entire community. I am so deeply touched at the mutual respect and inspiration we share. During one meeting, people got to joking about how each of their churches are focussed on converting others to their fatih. The Evangelist was joking with the Catholic who was joking with the others. When asked what I focus on as a Christian Scientist, I had to stop and think, because as a church, we don't convert people. "We focus on healing." More laughter, I think in large part because everyone felt so open and delighted with each other!

I love these groups where everyone feels so comfortable in sharing what they feel is most sacred and everyone honors one another's efforts to do good works.

Our prayer team put up a beautifully framed statement welcoming people to use the hospital's chapel. It is a welcome to people of all faiths or no faith. It reads:

Welcome to [this chapel]. You are warmly invited to use this space for quiet reflection and prayer. It is a space especially set up to acknowledge the space that reflection and prayer have in our lives today.

This room is never empty. It is filled with purposeful activity. There is light, order and beauty emanating from this room.

As we acknowledge the attraction and healing presence of God, people are drawn to this space. Like the Star of Bethlehem over the manger, we place our star above this little chapel and recognize that God is continuing to lead all His children to peace, grace and well-being.

Has your shared prayer brought you closer to others and to your community? Would love to hear about it!


(photo by kim - gracias a mis amigos argentinos)

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