A devout taxi driver stranded on a road was distraught that he couldn’t say his prayers since he’d left his prayer book at home. Trusting in God’s goodness, he prayed: “Lord, I’ve left my prayer book at home and can’t say my prayers by heart. So I’ll repeat the alphabet five times slowly, and you, to whom all prayers are known, can put the letters together to form the prayers I can’t remember.” That simple prayer must’ve pleased God immensely.
In bygone days, monks spent hours in their cells saying prayers and chanting hymns to God. Today, more than those using their brain cells to pray, many more use their cellphones. And, while Moses gave divine 10 Commandments inscribed on tablets of stone, one can download the whole Bible on one’s tablet. Indeed, when I ask my students to open their Bibles, they switch on their mobiles and read out scripture verses.
Apostle Paul writes: “Pray without ceasing.” Does Paul want us to mouth prayers all-day long? Certainly not! But, his advice comes with this message: “Rejoice always; give thanks in all circumstances.” Thus, what Paul means is that one’s heart must be turned towards God with joy and gratitude, always, everywhere. This seems impossible for most people, but it is not really so.
I’ve just returned from Rome — blessed to have attended the papal audience. Two things that Pope Francis said and did were striking. First, January 18-25 being the “Octave for Prayers for Christian Unity,” Pope Francis preached: “We are all sinners. But, through our baptism, we’re cleansed and united. Let’s focus on the many things which unite us, then on the little that divides us.” Second, the septuagenarian Pope looked totally at home with youth who conversed excitedly and clicked selfies with him.
Pope Francis touched youth in a special way with his message: “The Internet is God’s gift to humankind.” On the one hand, while misguided techies are trying to lure youth towards sexual aberrations, terrorism and violence, many others are texting messages of love, peace and unity. “Forward” their messages.
While busy with emails, e-sales, e-visas, e-etc., why not e-pray? You can read passages of the Bible, Gita or Quran on your cellphone. Close your eyes on the bus or train and release the e-energy within you. Feel connected and compassionate towards e-everyone around you. Let your e-pray overflow to e-earth. Let the e-eternal embrace the e-everyday. If you’re hooked to your cell, send a “peace!” message to everyone.
Like that taxi driver who begged God to make sense of his reverently-recited alphabet, once in a while whisper (or text) The Eternal: I love you! I trust you! Amen!
