by Edward Sellner
When my 18-year-old son, Daniel Patrick, was about to leave for an adventure with a friend in California, I asked him if he would join me at the prayer-shrine in my study.
I lit the candles at the shrine which contains pictures of our family, those living and dead, and statues of Jesus, Mary, and certain saints whom I love. On this occasion each of us, father and son, prayed for a safe journey, and gave thanks for our mutual love.
I was particularly anxious about Daniel and his friend Marty being on their own for a while, concerned for their welfare, but also aware that my son was reaching a new and necessary stage of greater independence. So I gave him a cross on a chain that I had worn, hugged him, and silently asked God to protect this son whom I loved with all my heart.
It was a very simple and spontaneous ritual, but one that evidently meant something to each of us, for when Daniel returned (thank God, unharmed!), he told me that he’d worn the chain and cross all the while he was away, even when he was having two tattoos painfully imprinted on his biceps!
We pray for all kinds reasons. Sometimes we pray because we are in need of God’s help, as I did when I was concerned about my son’s safety. Sometimes we pray because we are grateful for a gift received or for a day in which we seem particularly blessed.
Sometimes, when filled with regret or remorse, we seek forgiveness because of the harm we have caused or the loving action we have failed to do. Sometimes we pray just because we want to worship and honor a loving, all-compassionate holy God. For whatever reason, Jesus encouraged his followers — and encourages us today — to persist, to not give up, to keep asking.
- What family rituals or prayers do you have that express gratitude, that celebrate the good times and bad, our need to forgive each other as we seek forgiveness ourselves?
- How often do you pray?
- For what reasons?