Anyone Can Do It

I just returned from my weekly Rotary meeting. I don't know how long I plan to remain a Rotarian, my track record with service clubs reveals a pattern of interest and involvement followed by abrupt resignation. I served as president of the local Rotary a few years ago and am, frankly, amazed I still belong. But I find the friendship and service to be of a different caliber than I've experienced in other service clubs...then again, maybe Rotary isn't different, perhaps I am (growth is possible at any age...I hope).

Anyway, this isn't about that. Today I was just sitting there when the current president asked the membership to stand for the invocation to be presented by...me! He went on to say, as I was walking forward, that I may not have been aware of the honor as he had failed to contact me prior to the meeting. I said no, I was not aware of it being my turn...but that's OK.

I approached the microphone and asked everyone to join me in prayer and we'd see how it goes.
Naturally, it went just fine.

I have always been puzzled by people's discomfort when faced with the task of praying aloud. No matter what your faith, most public prayer is merely giving thanks for that with which we have been blessed, a request that we be kept mindful of opportunities for service to our families, communities and world, and that all our efforts may be guided to a positive outcome. No need to get into any deep theological thought or sectarian "preaching" that may offend anyone present (I recall even Jesus warned against making others uncomfortable by the practice of one's specific religious tradition).

Prayer should be a natural act...a conversation with some higher power...and the biggest secret of all (kind of like the secret we have in the voiceover business)...anyone can do it. They may not do it well, but they can always improve with practice. It's absolutely true...anyone can do it.