On Thursday, January 24, MSIA held a “day of prayer and visualization for world peace” at Prana, MSIA’s headquarters, in response to a call from the Pope, who invited representatives from major religions and faiths to join him in Assisi for three days to pray for peace. Many churches and groups heard the call and participated in their own “day of prayer,” including MSIA.

During an MSIA gathering of prayer after September 11, John-Roger spoke about the power of putting our bodies and Spirits on the line. We were inspired by that and responded by holding this prayer day. Was it a coincidence that during this time John Morton and two MSIA ministers, Holly Engelman and David Morton, and the Wheels for Humanity group, were doing their own ministry? They were distributing loving, Light and wheelchairs to refugees in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It seemed even more timely and serendipitous that we gathered as we did.

From 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00p.m. people popped in and out of the “Large Seminar Room” at Prana. Every hour on the hour a different minister “lead” the prayer time (I put “lead” in quotes because it was apparent to me that Spirit and the Traveler were doing the leading) by calling in the Light, planting Light columns with the group, playing J-R and John Morton excerpts on peace or meditations for peace, reading short quotes, asking others to share their vision for peace — and yes, we did manage to get silent prayer time in there too. Each minister conducted their hour a little differently, with each one adding their own unique and delightful touch of Spirit, love and creativity to the “format,” but I think we all agreed that “Spirit” added the best touch of all.

I say this because I personally experienced a presence so strong and palpable in the room — and I experienced it all day long. When I was planning the “format” with Valerie Simons, I was concerned that people might have a hard time sitting in silent prayer for an hour. So we prepared excerpts, meditations, and music to break up the time. I needn’t have been so concerned. It was as if something just easily drew me up and inward as I focused on love and God and our fellow men. It was fairly effortless for me to hold in the prayer time. The inward focus was so strong that, personally, the excerpts almost seemed a distraction. And, you know, somehow along with the sacredness, I’m recalling a lot of joy and enthusiasm too. We had some pretty joyful, enthusiastic and loving “leaders”: Valerie Simons, Justin Jayne, Peter Leighton, and Marjorie Eaton — and I appreciate the dedication and loving they gave.

Thanks and appreciation to all who attended for your loving commitment in putting your bodies on the line — and that includes those of you who were with us “in Spirit.” Most of all I thank the Travelers and the silent, “hidden” support they sneak in when no one’s watching. Well, come to think of it, I guess the biggest thanks goes to God who delivers the prayers. Thank you so much, Dear Lord. I feel certain there were many, many Souls praying right along with us that day. I guess the strength that comes “when two or more are gathered” just went to town — and to Afghanistan, Pakistan and right across Planet Earth and to her beloved inhabitants, all creatures great and small. God bless us all.