Saying Grace

I was running an errand at the Cascade Station near the airport.  In and out.  Walking back to my car, two men caught my attention.  Nothing particularly unusual, I was just noticing they were shopping and were of another culture.  We often see many interesting people here in Portland.  (Yes, we do have a reputation of being "weird", but it's mostly because we have such a diversity of culture in our city.)  

So, crossing the road to my car, I glanced back and saw they were laying out blankets on the pavement.  They knelt and began their prayers.  It was about 5:00 in the evening.

It got me thinking on many levels.  Here are just a few of those thoughts:

Prayer has mainly been an "activity" we practice in our homes and church.  It's seen as awkward or strange when people are seen praying - even holding hands - in public. But, here are foreigners kneeling and praying - ritualistically - faithfully at given times throughout the day.  

When our family eat at restaurants we will pray before our meal.  Sometimes it's an awkward prayer - depending with whom or where we are eating.  Is it a quick mumbled prayer?  Is it truly a prayer of thanksgiving?  We usually thank the Lord for the food and those who prepared it - we also pray for our server and that we would be a blessing them.  But, this can be done quickly and at times not even heard by others around the table!

Recently, I had the precious experience of friends praying with me - at Costco - in the entrance way!  One time was with some friends we bumped into (not literally)  They prayed a prayer of praise and rejoicing for some good news we shared that day.  People were whisking by - in and out - It was amazing to stop and give glory to God for his faithfulness with friends.  The most recent was when I met my friend to shop for the wedding food.  Before entering the store we stopped and prayed for wisdom, prayed for our daughter and future husband, prayed for the event itself - and gave thanks for this time of fellowship and his provision.  We weren't on our knees or speaking loudly - we don't have to.  What was so rich was the freedom and joy to love God enough to give him praise and thanksgiving right where we stood.

A few weeks ago, we were studying I Timothy 4:1-5 at church.  A particular focus on verses 4 & 5 stuck with me:

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."

A comment was made of how we say grace before meals, but do we say "grace" before everything? Everything?

When was the last time I prayed before I took a trip to the grocery store?  When was the last time I gave thought to praying before meeting with a friend?  Do I think of praying before I get up in the morning or before choosing a movie to view?  How about my morning walk - or any daily decision or activity?  If I were more conscious about prayer, I might make choices much differently than initially thought.  Grace tends to become rote and meaningless at mealtime - but, when I think in terms of the scripture above - it is with prayer and thanksgiving I come to my Lord.  It changes the whole perspective.

When noticing these two men of a different religion praying so boldly and publicly - it gave me a serious pause.  It gave me pause to consider what it is that makes me shy, or embarrassed, or too proud to openly give praise and thanksgiving to the only one and living God who has blessed me with every blessing through Jesus Christ.  Wow.