Prayer Drone
When I was a boy, I dreaded hearing the words, “Let us pray…” Usually this meant the pastor (my dad) or grandmother or the church lady would begin a long recitation of the problems of the world, people needing healing, reminders to not “smoke, dance, play cards, and go to movies.” This was the unwritten taboo list of the Midwest “pietism.” Confession time: those unbiblical “thou shalt nots” spurred on my creativity while teaching me how to “cover my tracks.” I love movies, good craft beer, and dancing.
Another problem I had with praying was the injunction to close my eyes, fold my hands, and bow my head. Really? Confession again: I am a peeker. I soon learned there are lot of peekers in this world. Fortunately, I found a way to pray that worked for me. Running.
The jogging movement of the 1970s sparked a new form of contemplation through movement. Runners and walkers discovered that once the initial discomfort faded, the body’s God-given endorphins could create a runner’s high. Often, people’s names and faces would come to mind. If they kept appearing, I took this message to reach out with care or even resolve a conflict.
Over the years I have tried other prayers and forms of contemplation with various degrees of success. But are prayers meant to be successful? Effective? What is the goal of prayer and meditation? Is it the “Peaceful Easy Feeling…” the Eagles sing about? In the hectic and busy world, we live in, we could all use a big dose.
I like Soren Kierkegaard’s prayer discovery:
“I found I had less to say, until finally, I became silent and began to listen. I discovered in the silence the voice of God.”
Each morning, I offer intercessory prayers, prayers for people all over the world, for family and friends, for celebrations and for challenges. The list is long, so I created a list to help me remember.
Recently while watching the news about the terrible war in the Ukraine the reporter described what has become a vital part of the Ukraine strategy to defend itself. The game changer: the drone. Instead of spending millions of dollars on missiles, a $30 K drone can be used to reach far into Russia to destroy military targets.
Rather than waging war, drones are increasingly being used for peaceful purposes like delivering products to our homes.
How about prayer?
I now regularly launch my prayer drone. It flies and visits places near and far. When reaching a target, PD descends to be close to a person in a hospital, a city hit by a terrible earthquake, a birthday celebration, a sporting event, a church service. I hover and share my love and care. There are many ways to personalize prayer via Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of social media, but I find this method helps me get closer to the people and places. Meditation means “in the middle of” and my drone helps me widen and then focus my circle of care. I find this often leads to a phone call, a visit, an email, a card, and a donation.
Instead of droning on in prayer, launch a drone prayer!
Give it a try!
Love to get your feedback!
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Thanks, CWH! Your dancing/movement and my running back in the day began a life journey!
I’m with you that praying while running is the way to go! As is the prayer drone.
Nice post!