Roy’s Sunday Letter for October 18, 2026
The millions of prayers for Pope Leo and his surgery, along with the Bend school shooting and the too familiar gathering of parents and children asking for prayers, brought forward thoughts of Prayers and Praying for this Sunday Letter.
Prayer as an Individual, Family, Community Ritual and Practice
For many, prayers are about strengthening heart and spirit connections, a two-way conversation with God, the seeking of guidance and support, or the healing and wellness of health. In my work at John Peter Smith Hospital, with families, we prayed in surgery and emergency waiting areas, or the chapel. In Texas many sporting events began with a public prayer or conclude with player prayer circles. An example of how sports mix with our daily lives.
In faith and spiritual centers, prayers are spoken, the reading of written prayers is common, or repeated historical prayers as one part of a more ritual worship. Each faith and spiritual expression seems to share their own unique inherited or created style and content.
In my experience prayers are an intentional choice or in response to a situation or when I have been over-whelmed. I have joined others in a circle of prayers for the protection from harm and justice for all persons, prayer circles can be quiet, even silent, or joyous with shouted Amens! Whatever the setting, prayer is the expression of touching or being touched by the sacred.
Beth is enjoying returning to cooking and preparing meals in cooler weather. In the same way the seasons of the year may add energy and purpose to your own seasons of prayer. I often begin my 6:45 morning with supportive prayers for individuals, groups or events of that day. Others prefer the evening for their prayers of thankfulness or joining their sadness as with the community of Bend. Our Meditation group has taught Beth and I the Practice of being Mindful and Mindfulness. In this way my attention and focus is inward…a time to be present in the moment…a type of prayer of gratitude.
I enjoy writing Walking Prayers, notes of who and what I see in my day. Titles include: “A Time of No Words…Elder Wisdom, and Prayers for the Sure and Unsure.”
Roy, whispering prayers at 6:45.
Sunday Qustions…..
What were you taught or shown about prayers when young? Did your prayers change and adapt as you grew and aged?
What is your current prayer life? More important than ever? No longer an active part of my individual or family life?
Reading in a book of prayers or a digital search may refresh the meaning and role of prayer in your 2026 life.
Good morning, Roy. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful articles. My prayer life has definitely evolved over time! My days of corporate prayer, even serving as a minister in church liturgical services, is largely over, primarily due to my traumatic brain injury and vestibular hyperacusis. I have also become less social, probably for the same reason. So now my prayer life is quiet and reflective, and I seek to commune with God each morning and evening. Doing so certainly grants me a sense of peace. God bless you and Beth, my friend.
Isn’t it wonderful we have our mornings?
I gain inward strength from the quiet as well as the noise shared with others.
None of this easy.
We continue together do we not….
Thank you Roy for this thoughtful reflection on prayer. The topic is fresh for me. My own prayer life is evolving.
This statement of yours will hold space in my meditations today:
“Whatever the setting, prayer is the expression of touching or being touched by the sacred.”
While reading a memoir of a preacher I admire (Brian Zahnd) I discovered this statement:
“Prayer is the slow process by which patience replaces agitation.”
Both of these descriptions of prayer will focus my meditation today. It seems to me our prayer practices unavoidably evolve as we go through life. Circumstances, disappointments, trauma, joys, encounters with wonder, moments of awe, all of these provoke, inhibit, encourage, or distract us from prayer.
It seems much of what I might call “talking to myself” is likely an involuntary prayer. It seems innate that humans want a witness to our lives. It also seems we want a witness who possesses the status to affirm the goodness of our lives. For me, religious prayer includes seeking correction and transformation into goodness from my Creator.
Yes and Yes again to words and thoughts of how we begin and how we end.
Your self taught shows in your words to Oak Ridge, and will be with each during the week.
Well written and appreciated…..
I find myself in prayer throughout the moments of each day. For a moment of joy, of peace, of thanks, of health, of healing, of direction, of forgiveness, of connection, of strength, of needs, etc.
Peter, your prayer practice is healthy, forgiving, open hearted, and more.
Good for right decisions.
Each and all help you center, know your path.
RB
good morning Roy and thanks for this wonderful letter on prayer. To Ron as well for the meaningful comment.
Thanks for the kind words for our community. Has been a true shock.. God please lift up these victims and their families so they may find peace.
Growing up we had prayer at mealtime. Not much more. Today my main prayers are in the am, early.. I am working to pray throughout the day as challenges and anxieties present themselves.
“Whatever the setting, prayer is the expression of touching or being touched by the sacred.”
“Prayer is the slow process by which patience replaces agitation.”
These two statements going into my quote book! Thank y’all very much. Happy Sunday.
Harm may come all too quickly
Healing is slow
Best with others sharing the pain, the loss
We continue together
I have prayed more in the last month than I have in years. Prayers for guidance, strength and patience. Changing lifestyles is stressful and I have leaned heavily on God for so many things. I hope to continue my conversations when things settle down, I really need the spiritual support. Blessings to you and Bet, dear long time friends.
and our mindful thoughts and prayers with you these past months of waiting and the delay of hope.
but now, hoe and light flow to and with you each morning
we are joyful with you dear, forever friend.
I begin every day with a meditation on Love. It is the same recorded meditation and it shapes the way I start the day with intention to call in the power of Love. Our dogs have been deployed to Bend and will bring their Love, along with the goodness of the handlers, to that community. When I start my day with the dogs, I am mindful of the sky, the sun, the wind and the water. I am blessed by nature. Love to you and Beth, always and forever.
And all the trees and small forest animals as well……Our true center as the 2 of us, has a dog in the middle of it all. Good writing and morning practice too.