Salty...

"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," was how it all began. A meeting, actually one of a series of meetings, called "Concert of Prayer." My friend, Bob Grenier, Pastor at Calvary Chapel here in Visalia, has been the motivating force behind these concerts, but not one to take center stage in any way, he has given the spotlight to other pastors from denominations unlike his own. A stance that I respect immensely.

So with the sign of the cross, publicly given by this Lutheren minister, I knew it was going to be a great evening. How did I know? Anytime Christians of diverse theological and philosophical backgrounds lay aside those differences, great things happen. The format was simple beginning with a statement of the need, the need for prayer. Oh, I forgot to mention, before each call to prayer, Sarah McClintock and her husband led a beautiful song of worship and invitation. So it began...

"In this world torn apart by war, let us pray for peace in the Middle East, peace in our nation, peace in our cities, and protection for our troops," was what I think we were to pray for first. And pray we did. Groups of three, four, or, in our case seven, circled up, holding hands, crying out for divine help.

But I digress. Everyone in our group was known to us and one friend had confided to me a little earlier that he was a little uncomfortable praying in public. So as we held hands I plunged in first.

"Lord, we ask you to be here among us, teaching us to pray. Bring peace to this world, through your Son, the Prince of Peace!" I felt tears well up in my eyes, a lump in my throat, not manufactured by my words, but by the Presence. I have felt this Presence at various times in my life, always bringing with it emotion in my eyes, salty tears of humility and understanding of grace.

Several others prayed throughout this one hour concert, touching prayers for peace. But the one that got me most was the first prayer from my friend Stan, the one who was reluctant to speak. He prayed with inspiring, beautiful words, catching, I am sure, the attention of the residence of heaven.

There were four prayer sessions, each about 10 minutes long, preceeded by a song and simple instructions: pray for our community, our churches (man, we REALLY need that one), for ourselves. Funny enough, it was a night of giving up, laying down, picking up. Picking up the unity that is given only by the hands of love. Love that only the Presence can bring. Tearing down walls of hearts scarred by important and frivolous battles alike.

No sweeter music! What a concert.