It’s Cinco de Mayo–my favorite “What does this celebrate?” holiday of the year. With that being said: Let us pray…
This is the first Thursday in May, which the U.S. Federal Government denoted under President Reagan as a National Day of Prayer. In stiff counter-point to California Democratic Representative Pete Stark’s belief that celebrating reason on this day may lead people to prayer, I contend that prayer will lead more people to reason.
Because of my slant, I feel the need to explain. Toss this into the mixed-bag of topics that I truly love to write about.
Prayer is an interesting topic. The “result” of so-called prayer isn’t always positive. It can be violent, foolish and done in the name of any number of deities. It’s easy to doubt the sincerity of such prayer, or wonder how often people enter into a prayerful request with a sense of selflessness.
Prayer to many of us is an awkward moment of folded hands, talking out loud to the unseen, not really knowing what to say while our eyes are closed or wondering how our requests can be known if we enjoy prayer in a moment of silence.
I have enjoyed some wonderful conversations with atheists who can’t wrap their minds around the power of prayer–as well as those who simply dismiss it. Ask a few doctors who toe the line of medical science on a daily basis if prayers are helpful, and you’ll probably find few of the few who are willing to argue against it. I don’t know what you believe in, but of course I think it matters–I think it’s incredibly important.
On this day dedicated to prayer in the United States, perhaps awkwardness is a good thing. Perhaps it is evidence of a disconnect that is in need of a reconnect–to yourself, to a friend, to a worthwhile cause, to your Creator. I don’t know who you are, or “where” you’re at–I believe all four of those are the best option. Perhaps just being quiet for awhile, and listening–visualizing yourself within the mix of the extremely large picture could be quite rewarding to you and everyone you influence.
Personally, I’m prayerful that many people who claim that this day holds vast importance to them will stop being baited and hooked by silly chain emails and Facebook posts that claim President Obama is cancelling the National Day of Prayer. This will save me time from having to go to Snopes and forward the link time and time again–because I feel that truths are important.
Yeah. For sure. These are my views and not Manolith’s. And no, I’m not interested in political correctness. When politics strike a chord with being correct, I might consider it.
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