Letter to the editor

Not until recently had I realized the importance and power of prayer.  For me, the lesson was taught one evening last semester at the prayer chapel in Walton.

As I sat on the wooden pew, leaning into God’s word before me, and as I offered the simplest of prayers – He in turn ministered to my aching heart in such a tremendous and gentle way.

How had I missed this all along? Such a lack of zeal in prayer had revealed to me my shortage of trust in our Heavenly Father.

Shortly after, the desire for prayer had increased inside of me. Prayer took an invasive route throughout  my life, while driving in the car, sitting next to a stranger in the coffee shop or lifting the burdens of a hallmate to God before falling asleep.

In my pursuit of prayer, many battles have come my way, including maintaining consistency (which is my part) and conversing silently with God (which is His part). Recently another obstacle has been loudness – an instrumental interference (the piano’s part). Yes, a piano.

There is a piano that has been stationed in the Walton Prayer Chapel on loan to provide music majors with a place to practice.

This piano, unfortunately, has no volume control and is placed in a most inconvenient place. The chapel is an area designated for solitude and prayer. Talk about conflict of interest!

My intention is not to rag on the music department, but to bring necessary attention to the obstacle that is presented when those who have entered the same room with separate motives, some who have come to play and when others come to pray.

A suitable solution needs to be found for both parties. Possibilities include: the piano could be removed to a new area designed for its appropriate use. If not that, perhaps setting aside specific practicing times when the piano can be used.

Leaving this issue unsolved is needless — once resolved, an end would come to all the awkward collisions that occur between playing and praying.

From a recent Chapel service, Eric Samuel Timm’s painting has become a new addition to the Walton Prayer Chapel. The words beside Jesus’ face say, “Repaint Jesus.”

How should we repaint Jesus in this situation? I humor myself with the thought that Jesus might dance alongside his gifted child as they rehearse on the piano.

However, in this case, my repainted Jesus revolves around the moment where He can minister patiently beside every child that comes walking through those two, squeaky glass doors: seeking a place of refuge. Let us give them the opportunity to do so.