Praying for Each Other

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6

One of the services at Centering Space is intercessory prayer – the act of praying for others. When people ask for prayers at Centering Space, the names of those in need are written on slips of paper that get folded and added to a prayer basket. Then, as people gather for programs and events, the prayer basket is called to mind by the facilitators and silent prayers are offered. The prayer basket fills throughout the year until November 1st when the pieces of paper are ritually burned, thus emptying the prayer basket, readying it to receive new prayer requests.

This practice is lovely to me. I like to think of the basket itself as the hands of God cradled together to hold something dear. I like the idea that the slips of paper represent our compassion as we think about the needs of others. I like the symbolism of using fire to release the names as smoke and ash rise toward the heavens.

I have offered several names to the prayer basket. Each time I felt helpless, aching for the person whom I knew to be suffering. Yet, believing in the power of prayer and strength in numbers, I felt hopeful offering their names to a community of prayerful people who would remember the needs of my loved ones along with others.

Even when prayer did not result in the outcome that I wanted, I believe that the act of prayer changed me into someone who is more hopeful and compassionate. The will of God will always mystify me – so be it. What I can do is place my cares in the hands of God, or in this case, a basket at Centering Space, and pray for all in need.

Ann Duchez