box of prayer, box for prayer

for our long complicated journey

There’s something resembling a birdhouse posted next to the driveway in front of First Presbyterian Church in Auburn, New York. It’s at the edge of what’s known as the Bell Garden. (There’s an interesting story regarding that bell, but we can save that for another time!)

It is a repository for prayers written and prayers offered. (By the way, I once opened the box and found some strands of straw. Apparently a bird really believed it was a good place to settle.)

The little house of prayers is positioned next to the driveway, just within reach of someone in a car. And, oh yes, one can simply walk up to it.

A wide variety of joys and concerns are voiced from all aspects of life. I include a sampling below, while protecting confidentiality. They are the cries and celebrations of those of all ages.

“Thankful for E joining us”

E enjoys crafting rope bracelets. This orange and teal one was for me. (Could they be the colors of the Miami Dolphins?)

“For my son and daughter. Son: reuniting with family. Daughter: healing”

“Prayers for our dear friend JR, battling renal cell cancer traveled to lungs, brain, spine, bones”

“Please pray for my grandfather for he lives alone and his electric bill expired and the company is threatening to take his power away”

“Lord, please help me change my focus to you”

“Please pray for our long complicated journey”

“O come all who believe”

“Prayers for a healthy gut, with no more flare ups”

“Knocking hard Lord for M”

“A prayer for this to be a beacon in the dark”

In Psalm 141, the cry is sounded, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice” (v. 2).

Drawing on that image, Revelation 8 speaks of an “angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel” (vv. 3–4).

Our prayers are reckoned as pleasing incense to the Lord.