FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ AN ODD WAY TO PRAY ~ SEP 03 2006

AN ODD WAY TO PRAY

Over the years I have heard a multitude of spoken prayers. Some flowed poetically from the speaker's tongue, some had the overtones of a sermon, and others resembled conversation. I have also heard another type of prayer, though never in a church or chapel. Its usage is universal in the English language, even being used on occasion by atheists. The prayer is most often spoken during times of anger, frustration, or used to display extreme displeasure with a given situation or individual. The vast majority of the English-speaking population would not recognize it as a form of prayer, but rather view it as a form of swearing. Some would regard the invocation as "taking God's name in vain." Both are true and credible; however, at the core of the expression is a request by the petitioner for God to damn something, someone or some place. Several years ago, while stationed on Okinawa, I joined my battalion for a "best ball" golf tournament. My foursome was composed of individuals I had played with often, so I was somewhat aware of how our day might develop. One individual, who usually played an outstanding round of golf, was having a horrendous day on the course. Nothing was going right. His whole game was off, and he knew it, and continuously reminded the rest of us about it. On our seventh hole of play, and after overshooting the green, he threw his club as far as he could hurl it and exclaimed for the umpteenth time: "God !#%! It!" I walked over to my friend and said, "You know God is just answering your prayer." He looked at me somewhat puzzled, and as if I were insane. I reminded him that since our first hole of play he asked God to damn his club, damn his ball, damn the green, and even damn his shoes. So why be upset? God was simply answering his prayer. When I concluded, he looked at me and said, "Chaplain, I like that and you're right. It hurts, but you're right." For the rest of the day, neither the others nor I heard another request for God to damn anything. (Though he did bite his lip an awful lot.) As I mentioned earlier, most individuals recognize this prayer more in line with the idea of swearing. However, I think there is a valid case to recognize it as a prayer. That being so, it is bewildering why people would pray it. Could it be that they are not aware of what they are saying or of its significance? Or do they really want God to damn the one they love,
their friends, work associates, or acquaintances?

As with my friend, the idea of the invocation being a prayer never occurred to him, nor does it to most. Little do we realize the spiritual dynamic that is set in motion when we invoke God with our request. It is to our advantage that God is all-knowing and understanding, and sorts through our trivialization of prayer, and does not do all that we request of Him. It would be well for each of us to remember the words of Jesus:
"You do not know for what you ask."

LCDR Diane M. Wilson, CHC, USN

Good Evening my Operation Bold Mariner Brother.

"The USS Corry was alongside the USS New Jersey
when she made her debut in the South Vietnam war theater.
Both ships were participants of Operation Bold Mariner in Jan'69.
It was the largest amphibious landing since the Korean conflict began."

I've not forgotten that within my 1st month on FR, JUN 2001,
that you were the 1st Brother on FR who wished me Welcome Home Brother

You were in the Army then,
1/1 CAV AMERICAL, USARV 1968-69
and I was on my DD providing
close gunfire support.

I had your "back" then and and again today.

Welcome Home Brother!

161 posted on 09/03/2006 5:07:58 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

Amy Grant ~ What A Friend

162 posted on 09/03/2006 5:09:11 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

To: Kathy in Alaska

That was the first song I ever recall learning.

I'll never forget singing that with Dad as a pup.
He always told me it didnt matter what your voice sounded like as long as you sang from the soul.

163 posted on 09/03/2006 5:14:00 PM PDT by mylife (the roar of the masses could be farts)

To: Kathy in Alaska

Hey there Kathy dear! Happy Sunday to you too!
((hugs))

164 posted on 09/03/2006 5:14:32 PM PDT by MeekMom (Present your bodies a living sacrifice unto God.)

I agree with your Dad. Some of us can't sing very well, but we sure enjoy the songs.

165 posted on 09/03/2006 5:38:36 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

To: Cindy; LUV W; HopeandGlory

Cindy.....#50!!
Luv.....#100!!
Hope.....#150!!

166 posted on 09/03/2006 5:44:32 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

To: Kathy in Alaska

Those memories were the first of believing and learning to find your foundation.

Jesus is a rock

;)

Can you believe Im still building this lasagna? Its about ready to layer and pop in the oven now.

167 posted on 09/03/2006 5:45:58 PM PDT by mylife (the roar of the masses could be farts)

To: Kathy in Alaska

How nice and how pretty.

THANK YOU Kathy.

168 posted on 09/03/2006 5:52:03 PM PDT by Cindy

To: AZamericonnie; MS.BEHAVIN; bentfeather; All

My Dad's Bridge Before......

After the rain stopped......

169 posted on 09/03/2006 5:53:54 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

To: cbkaty; jdrgarland

And we thank our veterans for their service to America.

170 posted on 09/03/2006 5:55:43 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

Thank you, CMS, for helping keep us free.
Prayers for your safety and success of mission. Part way home!!

171 posted on 09/03/2006 5:58:26 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of the new thread

CLICK BELOW to ENTER the
FR Canteen Post Office, Support Our Military and Vets Links and Info

FR Canteen Post Office Established November 30, 2001

Will You help keep the Candle Lit for our service men and women?
Can you spare a few moments today to either
e-mail them or learn about sending packages to them?
Many of them are away from home for the 1st time.
PLEASE Click on the graphic and help cheer them up.
You will stay right where you are on this thread while you write them.

NOTE : CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily, and on the Music Thread,
Never requires a paid subscription to listen to.
It's always provided FREE,
for the enjoyment
of our troops and visitors

172 posted on 09/03/2006 6:02:57 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)

To: Kathy in Alaska

I remember this scene very well. The bridge still stands. YAY!

Thanks Kathy.

173 posted on 09/03/2006 6:06:27 PM PDT by Soaring Feather

To: Kathy in Alaska

Pops is lucky yhe rain didnt take it away.

Cool Bridge, I used to have one in my backyard in AZ.
'Course the bed was usually dry and was a place for deer and javalina to use as a trail.

The lasagna just went in the oven :-P

Cyas

174 posted on 09/03/2006 6:07:06 PM PDT by mylife (the roar of the masses could be farts)

To: Kathy in Alaska

It should be through a Delta affiliated outfit. I've flown them to/from there to Fresno in the past.

Close, really close! indeed. LOL@ExcitedMa

175 posted on 09/03/2006 6:30:25 PM PDT by tongue-tied (Go Cubs!)

To: Kathy in Alaska

Wow, what a before and after set! Or actually during (flood) and after I guess.

176 posted on 09/03/2006 6:33:09 PM PDT by tongue-tied (Go Cubs!)

The water never did COMPLETELY cover the bridge, but I don't know if it floated it either. My Dad had it tied to a tree just in case. With the water back down, there is about 18" between water and bridge.

177 posted on 09/03/2006 7:42:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

Thanks, Luv, for the great gospel music.

178 posted on 09/03/2006 7:43:21 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

To: Kathy in Alaska

You're welcome, Kathy.

179 posted on 09/03/2006 7:46:13 PM PDT by luvie ("I want our troops to understand that not only does the country support them, but--we'll win! GWB)

Good Sunday, ms b....((HUGS)) Busy, puttering day. After several hours of trying to get my Thanksgiving ticket online, and being rejected upon payment, I finally called and got it all settled. Whew!!!

180 posted on 09/03/2006 7:47:13 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)

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