The first time I saw an Orthodox prayer corner I heard a siren in my head screaming, "WRONG! WRONG! IDOLATRY!" Looking back, I know that wave of disapproval and panic was mostly just a knee-jerk reaction to being exposed to something different, something ornate. Now? Oh my gosh, that exact same sight, the sight of a corner or a bit of wall space in someone's home so obviously set aside as a place of worship, as a visual reminder of our true origin, our true purpose, our constant need to pray, strikes me as beautiful, good and holy.
My brother and his wife and my two nieces gather at the one above to chant morning prayers and evening prayers, to sing "Our Father," "Christ is Risen," O Gladsome Light." Knowing them so intimately, knowing the heartaches they've carried, sometimes tearfully, to this very spot acknowledging that mercy and salvation are eternal mysteries, so much bigger than their finite understanding, makes this section of their office/ multi-purpose room located smack in the middle of everything (behind the kitchen and in front of the porch), just as dear to me as Jane's irresistible goofiness, Isabelle's determination, Paige's generosity and Bobby's brilliance.
Their faith inspires my faith. Isn't that remarkable? How we effect those all around us by our words, our choices, by the things we decide to let influence us most on a daily basis? What a privilege! What a challenge! What a relief that we are all in this together.
