St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun once remarked: “Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven. It is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” Philippians 4:6 confirms: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Prayer is defined as: A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity. Learning to pray often stems from early childhood, especially in a Christian family. Most children with religious parents are encouraged to pray just before climbing into bed. They often kneel at their bedside with their hands clenched together, either forming a fist-like shape with the fingers interwoven, or simply holding the two hands together with palms touching often with the fingertips facing upwards.
Prayer has been identified as a form of meditation. It can provide serenity within. It can be both formal and informal. Amongst many possible reasons, it may seek forgiveness for a bad deed or thought or perhaps, a plea for help for a loved one who is sick or troubled.
Prayer Walls are a significant feature in certain religions. In Christianity, they often represent an active prayer life. They can attract large crowds inviting written prayers to be placed within the cracks in the walls. A prayer wall can unite people in prayer and love. Jesus always encouraged prayer in His teachings. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 reminds us: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall as it is often referred to, is situated in the old city of Jerusalem and is considered as one of the most sacred places in the world. Thousands of visitors each year journey to the venue to recite prayers.
However, a prayer wall does not have to be an actual existing wall located in a specific place, it can simply be a group of people that come together in a house, a church, on the internet or any other designated place to unite in a focal purpose. The strength of a prayer wall allows people to openly pray together and for others to know and understand the concerns that others may be experiencing. People can then join in with their own specific prayer to multiply the request. The results can be extremely powerful and beneficial, not only in demonstrating love and concern for others, but also in uniting people in a common cause and reassuring them that they are not alone in their plight. Matthew 18:20 confirms: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
A story is told of a vicar whose first appointment at the completion of his curacy was to a church in a small parish near Brighton, East Sussex. Shortly after his arrival, he was approached by a member of the congregation concerning the possibility of a Pilgrimage of Prayer between two associated churches based in different locations. The suggestion had been discussed with the previous incumbent but, for one reason or another, had never achieved fruition.
A local hospice was in desperate need of funds to purchase special surgical equipment to provide palliation for their patients and the relevant church members believed that this particular venture, if sponsored, might be a good way to assist them. The destination church, Holy Trinity, was located in Cuckfield, Haywards Heath. A distance of 14.3 miles away. The chosen route for walking was via woods and the open countryside wherever possible.
A planned one night stop in Hassocks at a selected hotel was anticipated to relieve tiredness and break the two-day journey. The entry qualifications to participate, were stipulated as the possession of reasonably good health without any walking difficulties and the proposed backing of at least one sponsor from a local business to help raise the necessary funds. In addition, several requests were made in the lead-up to the event to invite members of the congregation to submit names and a reason if they would like a prayer said on their behalf during the pilgrimage.
Seven regular and active members of the church happily volunteered to take part in the venture, which, if accomplished successfully, would collectively raise approximately £5000 to be donated to the local hospice. The participants mutually agreed that each would take turns to voice a requested prayer at regular intervals of every half-mile along the chosen route. 1 Peter 2:21 reminds us: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
The chosen start day began cloudily, which most were grateful for, but as the day progressed the clouds began to break and the sun emerged. It became hot and the pilgrims became both hungry and thirsty. By lunchtime, each person had said a prayer and as the same would be repeated before they had finished for the day, they decided to stop for refreshments and some lunch. One of the participants, a chef in a local restaurant, had kindly prepared and packed a portable hamper containing whole-grain tortillas, salmon sandwiches, granola bars, salad items, apples, bananas and oranges, together with plenty of bottled water and flasks of tea to nourish and quench the thirst of all. This revitalised each and every one of them in preparation for the remainder of the day’s walk.
During the intermission between prayers, individuals would spasmodically burst into their favourite hymns or songs. The remainder would join in wherever possible. This provided further encouragement, unity and motivation for those becoming weary from the trek. Isaiah 40:31 states: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” After a pleasant meal at the chosen hotel, they relaxed for the evening and spoke of activities and hobbies that each had personally enjoyed. After a good night's sleep, they were all raring to go for the final stage of the pilgrimage. The hotel gave each a complimentary bottle of water to quench them on their journey in appreciation for their efforts.
The second day was still arduous, but completed successfully and as they approached the designated church, a large group of well-wishers were clearly visible to greet them and provide refreshments for the weary, but now fulfilled and contented travellers. After an hour of rest, they proceeded to the local station and caught the train back to the Brighton area where they were greeted by their loved ones and other members of the congregation with rousing cheers and applause.
The vicar gave a final blessing and thanked them all so much for their participation and enthusiasm. A donation of £5016 was made to the hospice four weeks later. James 5:13-18 confirms: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.”
Amen.
