The sun has set, and the streets are quiet on Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m. eastern time (8:00p.m. central time) during the pandemic. Along the east coast, south, and mid-west regions of the Unites States, index fingers or the thumbs of both hands tap the keyboards of mobile phones. The family—by blood, marriage, or adoption—hastily dials Free Conference Call. One or two arrive before the host. They greet one another, catch up on life or just wait in silence after their greeting. Moments later, repeated bells sound as family members come onto the call. No roll is taken; it is enough to hear the familiar sound of loved voices checking in and saying, “Hey, Hi/Hello. It’s _____________.”
9:00 – 9:02 p.m. Family members catch up with each other. There is sharing of a baby on the way, antics of pet dogs, the never-ending doings of toddlers, new homes, etc. Electronic beeps simultaneously indicate others are joining the call. If there is silence, the new person gives his/her name. If there is effervescent conversation, the new party will just listen or perhaps dive into the dialogue , thereby making an introduction.
9:03-9:05 p.m. The host asks for prayer requests about people, situations, etc. and she also asks for stories of the good that has happened in people’s lives in the past week. Persons randomly take turns speaking. They just speak and if two begin at the same time, one gives way to the other. When the situation for which prayer is asked is dire, you can hear soft vocal responses that to let the speaker know that the group is listening attentively. When there is a praise report, we hear an emphatic “yes!” “great!” “Oh, yes!”
9:06 p.m. The host calls on the one or the two designated to pray (host notifies them earlier in the week.) on that evening. There is an immediate hush. The prayer is the reason for the meeting. The one who prays on a given Sunday was asked as a family member and has consented to do so. Age, accomplishments, titles are of no consequence. Those who pray are to talk to God on behalf of those friends, colleagues, strangers, and other family members who asked to be remembered during this prayer time. The prayers are passionate and enthusiastic; sometimes calm but no less fervent. The group listens intently although utterances from the heart punctuate the prayer. The prayers are uttered with such earnestness that each heart spontaneously bows before the Creator. “Yes, Lord!” and other affirmations softly interrupt the quiet. Others listen with intense silence. Each person seems oblivious of the others yet, is one with them. The family is bowed before God who listens, moves, and answers in ways that no one could not even think to ask. The family brings the WHAT to God and leaves the HOW to the Divine Plan.
9:15-20 p.m. When the one(s) assigned to pray says, “Amen,” the prayer and the call ends.
Reflection
The prayer connects us. The prayer guides us. The prayer helps us love beyond ourselves. The prayer returns our love to God. The prayer blesses us to bless others. The prayer strengthens us during a disruptive time. This is the prayer by free conference call.
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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