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Published: November 23rd 2011
I’m always humbled by displays of religious devotion. Whether it’s pious Muslims standing, kneeling and bowing in unison to the song-like prayer of the imam or heartbroken Catholics weeping at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, I am moved by their faith. I’m highly spiritual, but far from churchgoing, and observing others worship is the closest to religion I come. Yet, sometimes, I’m envious of believers’ unwavering devotion, of their ability to communicate with a higher power that assuages all fears and fortifies all weakness. Sometimes I wish I knew how to pray. I offer devotions everyday, but my supplications are surrendered to the wind and I can only hope that they reach their target. It would be nice, every once and a while, to get proof of delivery.
On the island of Büyükada in the Marmara Sea, lies the medieval monastery of St. George. I went there only to escape the crowds in Istanbul, not expecting to find much; as such, the small, gaudy church didn’t disappoint. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the Greek Orthodox chants issuing from behind closed curtains would touch my soul. Tears flowed freely from my eyes and snot flowed even more freely from my nose. More than ever, I felt the need to pray. I lit a candle and prayed for my nephew.
From the moment I saw him, I loved my nephew with every atom of my being. Never had I seen a bum so juicy, feet so like dinopeds, or eyes so big and perfectly lashed. He is innocence in its purest form, proof of life’s possibilities. I think of him making sure that even my toes are covered when we’re hiding from monsters and of his maniacal laugh and the glint in his eyes when his sword finds its mark between my ribs, and my love grows too big for my heart to contain. It breaks into a thousand pieces that are sent over the sea to be made whole again in him. I prayed for him to be always safe from harm and to know unending happiness. I prayed that he could feel my love. And I prayed to never stop feeling his.
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Lynn Almquist
non-member comment
A prayer for my nephew
the tears are rolling down my cheeks while i am reading this i share the same prayer as you my girl and yes even thinking of him fills my heart to bursting he said the word grandma for the first time on skype the other day and the feeling of pure joy well it cannot be measured i know he feels your prayers chantel he loves you so much!!!