GlocalNet

One of the most profound experiences I think I’ve ever had in my life was praying with Muslims during their prayer time.  One of the imams had been praying in Christian churches and as he went to pray I asked if I could join them.  They were really excited.  The imam stood out front and faced the wall while the rest of us men lined up behind him.  I stood between Ghiath and Suhail.  I wasn’t standing straight so Suhail told me, “God doesn’t look upon a line that isn’t straight.”  So I got in line real tight.  They prayed in their tradition and I prayed in mine, but in their posture.  It was moving to me.  I could hear Ghiath and Suhail both whispering passionately in prayer.  There is a part of the Islamic praying that is reciting, but another part is what we would call “freestyle.”  My bum knee wouldn’t bend right so I couldn’t cross my legs like they did under themselves – later they told me just sit. 

When we finished I asked if I could pray for them in mine.  So we knelt and I laid hands on them and we prayed together in my way.  It was very very moving for all of us. 

It was funny, several ladies came up to me and said, “Do you feel better now?”  Others told me, “You should do this every day now.”  I told them I did pray, that wasn’t my first experience.  I made it clear I was a Christian but I believe that God hears all prayers. 

I was curious and wanted to experience praying with them.  I wanted to affirm the fact that I too pray to God and I believe God hears our prayers.  What I didn’t expect was the incredible affirmation it brought to them.  It’s like our relationship went to a whole different level instanteously. 

Did I sense God’s presence as I prayed?  Powerfully.
So, what did I pray? . . . . That’s between me and God!