TODAY I WATCHED A PRAYER
Wanda Fish

Today I was honored to watch a group of Muslim men offering their prayers towards Mecca. As they prayed, I felt a golden energy surge down my spine.

The park was already filled with anti-war protesters who just finished a huge march around Perth, Western Australia. Thousands of voices had resounded through city streets with grandmothers, children, students, and workers united in their will for peace and determined to stop the illegal war in Iraq.

After the march, we were all exhausted. While most of us, myself included, found the nearest park bench to flop on, a group of young Muslim men stood out in the hot sun, faced Mecca, and prayed to God. They prostrated themselves on the ground, honoring their creator, while I rested in the shade sipping my water.

As I watched I felt ashamed. Would I ever fall down on my knees in public place and openly worship God five times a day? No, in my society people are too busy worshiping Manna, the god of money, to have time for the God we will meet when we finally face the death that we pretend will never happen.

I bowed my head in prayer, also aware that I was too embarrassed to kneel publicly. I opened my eyes and saw that the worshippers were prostrate, totally subjecting themselves to the will of their creator.

Thank you for showing me that prayer. Thank you for reminding me that at the end of the day, the end of my life, and the end of all life, God or Allah will still be there. And thank you for sharing your beautiful faith with me.

Our leaders may not be united. But we are. And that is what counts.