(For the girl I lit the candles for)

You’re the person I’ve prayed the most for in my life.  Not only on the road, but at other times as well.  I’ve rarely prayed for others, even and especially myself.

Prayer has always been a secret and private practice for me.  In public, I often showed disinterest or even disdain when people prayed.  Part of it is poor experiences with family, at church, and with those who use prayer as a magic incantation or spell, excuse to do nothing, or a throwaway set of empty words.

Personally, I resisted praying at times because I figured that God already knew what I was thinking and needing at any particular moment.  I also generally don’t like closing my eyes and joining the crowd, as well as pretending to listen to long-winded prayers that seem to be written to impress others.

But I realized over time, I inherently believe in the importance and even the power of prayer.  Every time I pray for you, I feel the beginning of peace, alleviating of pain, and a lightening of the load.  And I really do want you to be safe, secure, and happy – as much as possible in this uncertain, complex world.  That was the intended and hoped for motivation in the midst of chaos and competing emotions.

I really like what Bono has to say about prayer – “Someone has likened prayer to being on a rough sea in a small boat with no oars.  All you have is a rope that, somewhere in the distance, is attached to the port.  With that rope you can pull yourself closer to God.”

Praying for you confirms those sentiments.