The Prayer of the 5 Widows

In Memory of Elizabeth Eliot

www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1957/january-7/prayer-of-fiv...

The Prayer of the Five Widows

An account after the Auca ambush in Ecuador, from CT's seventh issue.

Elisabeth Elliot/ JUNE 15, 2015

This article originally appeared in the January 7, 1957, issue of Christianity Today—less than three months after the magazine's launch. It was posted June 15, 2015, to commemorate the death of Elisabeth Elliot.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon a year ago, five young women were asking God for two things regarding their husbands: that they might be permitted to contact the Auca Indians again, and that they might be protected. As we sat in our jungle homes here in Ecuador, two in Arajuno, one in Shandia and two in Shell Mera, we little dreamed of the answer God was then giving. He answered both of those prayers, but, as is often the case with him whose thoughts are as far above ours as the heavens are high above the earth, his answer far transcended what we had in mind.

Silence on a Sand Strip

The second contact was given. Probably at about two-thirty in the afternoon at least ten Aucas arrived at the strip of sand where the men had set up their little camp. Having seen them some time earlier from the airplane, approaching the beach, the pilot had reported to his wife the anticipated contact. We can imagine the five, then, as the forest rang with their praises. They sang hymns together, committed themselves to the Lord once more and eagerly prepared for their longed for visitors. It was not long before savage yells, instead of hymns of praise, echoed through the forest, polished wooden spears slashed through the air and five young men lay dead on the Rio Curaray. Silence closed once more over the stand strip, and those beloved Indians returned nonchalantly to their thatched homes, to recount another killing to their waiting families.

The asked-for contact had been given. But what about the protection?

Protection from Disobedience

When the Lord Jesus prayed to His Father, as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, he asked, too, for protection for those whom the Father had given him. For what purpose? “. . . that they may be one, as we are.” Protection from what? “. . . that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one.” Each one of our five men, years before, had asked for the whole accomplishment of Gods will in him at any cost, to the end that Christ be glorified. The Evil One is determined, however, that Christ shall not be glorified. But, in making them obedient men, God had answered the prayer of his Son, the prayer of the men themselves and the prayer of their wives. The adversary did not succeed in turning them aside from Gods highest purpose. They were protected from that most fearful of all dangers, disobedience. They loved God above all else. “Herein is the love of God, that ye keep his commandments.”

The prayer of our hearts today, of the widows who remain, is the same, that Christ may be glorified.

Christ’s Glory in Some Aucas

First of all, we continue asking for that which motivated the men from the beginning of the project—that Christ may be glorified in some Aucas. The contact God gave to the five was only one step in the opening of the fast-closed doors to that tribe.

Nor was it the first step. Others had thought and prayed for years about them, asking for an entrance, flying over the territory in search of their whereabouts, seeking a way to carry to them the Word of Life.

Some of the five men had long borne them before the Lord, asking for their salvation and committing themselves to God for them.

Now, thousands of Christians in all parts of the world have learned of them and are praying.

For us who have been most closely touched by the death of the five, there could be no greater joy than to know at last that the blood of our husbands has been the seed of the Auca church. Our hearts go out to the very ones whose strong brown arms sent flying the lances that killed our loved ones, for we know that they walk in darkness, knowing not even the name of Him who is more than life to us. And how shall they hear without a preacher?

So we ask for those whom God has prepared to be sent to the Aucas and only those. A well-meaning but misguided effort could ruin further opportunities to enter the tribe. But because God has done a tremendous thing in taking five of His choicest servants in this incipient stage, we are bold to expect tremendous answers to prayer in the future. We believe He will send the Light to the Aucas and have given ourselves anew for that, if He should care to choose any one of us to go. We were wholly at one with our husbands in their desire to reach the Aucas and had it been possible, would gladly have accompanied them. The last thing on earth we would have wanted would have been to hinder them in obeying the command of Christ, which was as clear to us as it was to them. He was directingthe only issue at stake was obedience. Jesus made the conditions of discipleship unequivocal—“Forsake . . . Deny . . . Follow.” This is the price we are asked to pay.

Many speak of the five men as having made the “supreme sacrifice.” We do not think of it in that way. They would not have called it that. One of them wrote in his diary years ago, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jesus promised that whoever loses his life preserves it. Can we call this sacrifice? When we make a purchase, we pay the price, of course, but no one thinks of this as a sacrifice. How much less, then, when our lives, already paid for by Christ at tremendous sacrifice on his part, are offered to him? We lose nothing. We gain everything. Hence, we ask that God may choose those whom He wishes to carry the gospel to the Aucas, that they may be prepared by his Spirit, that they may not count their lives dear unto themselves, and that thereby the Aucas may be brought out of their bondage to know Jesus Christ, that he may be glorified in them.

Christ’s Glory in Us

We ask, further, that Christ may be glorified in us. “For we know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the privilege He gave us in being the wives of men who were chosen to be slain for His sake. None of us is worthy. It is all of His grace, but we know that the Lamb is worthy, a thousand times, the lives of our husbands and of us. He chose to glorify himself in their death—may He now glorify Himself in our lives.

During those harrowing days when the rescue party was on its way to the beach, when we did not know what the next radio report would bring, we were conscious that whatever the outcome, God was determined to bring us to himself. He had promised, “When thou passest though the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, for I am the Lord thy God. . . . Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee.” How could we have proved the truth of that promise if there had been no waters? And what rivers could overflow but deep ones? And so, to show us that he meant what he said, to prove to us his love, this was what he sent, this thing which each of us had been sure she could never endure, the loss of the one who was as her own soul.

Purpose in the Stab of Pain

And how, then, can Christ be glorified in us through this experience? By our responding with thanksgiving to his dealings with us, by our declaration of our love to him in utter obedience, by our believing that his judgments are right, that he in faithfulness has afflicted us. We ask that we may go on in peace, as he has mercifully permitted us to do thus far. In talking together, we have often said that we did not want to miss one lesson which our loving Father would teach us by this thing. To us, the loss of our husbands is not a tragedy in itself—it is one more of our Father’s right judgments. But it would indeed be a tragedy if, in our failure to respond to him with love, trust, and praise, we should miss what he intended for us through it. We ask that we may know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. If, through the loss of our husbands, we may cause Christ to rejoice, to see in us the travail of his soul and be satisfied, we shall never call it sacrifice. Each day, when little things remind us, with a new stab of pain, that our husbands are gone, we turn these things into prayer—“Lord, by this, too, glorify thyself. For this, too, I thank thee and trust thee, knowing that there shall be glory, as thou has promised, through this suffering.”

Christ and the Little Ones

Not only do we ask that Christ be glorified in the Aucas and in us, but also in our children. Most of them will have no recollection of their fine fathers. But our Lord gave his word, “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children.” We ask for his wisdom in training them, for his Spirit in us, that they may be as obedient as their fathers. How wonderful it would be if he should prepare one or more of them to go to the Aucas! We would give them to him for his use, asking that they come to know him as Savior and Lord at an early age. Far be it from us to withhold from the Lord the lives of these little ones, children of the men who did not withhold their own lives. May they sing from true hearts,

Faith of our Fathers, Holy Faith,

We would be true to Thee till death.

Wherever the Spirit Speaks

Finally, we ask that Christ be glorified in the lives of those to whom the Spirit of God has spoken because of the death of the five men. We have received letters from all over the world, telling of the impact of the event on one and another. But we have heard of few who have actually done anything about it, who have been changed by it. We pray earnestly that those who have heard the voice of the Lord may be obedient. We pray that young men who have been attracted by the “opportunities to use their talents for the Lord in the United States” may abandon themselves, with their talents, to Christ, for his use wherever he wants them. We pray that if any young wife is hesitating to commit her husband and family to God, through fear of loss, she may believe the words of our Lord Jesus, “Truly I say to you, there is no man who hath forsaken . . . who will not receive.” We have proved beyond any doubt that he means what he says—his grace is sufficient, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ We pray that if any, anywhere, are fearing that the cost of discipleship is too great, that they may be given to glimpse that treasure in heaven promised to all who forsake.

And all our supplication is “with thanksgiving”— for his great love, for the high privilege of serving him with all of our hearts, for having given us as husbands men who were true soldiers of Jesus Christ, men to whom we could look up in every respect, men who set for us a great example of faith that acts on what it believes. We look forward with joy to that day when God will reveal to us his complete plan, knowing that we shall see clearly that every step of the way was ordained to the end that Christ might be glorified. Our husbands already walk with him, their joy complete. We, too, shall see him face to face, and be satisfied.

This hath He done, and shall we not adore Him?

This shall He do and can we still despair?

Come let us quickly fling ourselves before Him,

Cast at His feet the burden of our care,

Flash from our eyes the glow of our thanksgiving,

Glad and regretful, confident and calm,

Then through all life, and what is after living,

Thrill to the tireless music of a psalm,

Yea, through life, death, through sorrow and

through sinning,

He shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed:

Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning,

Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.

(From St. Paul, F. W. H. Myans)

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac you promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection.

Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief. We are full of hope that, relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us. As you have remained with us through your admirable image, so now obtain for us the graces we need. Amen."

This image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose feast is celebrated today, is in Lourdes.

In the night of desperation,

in the day of lost desire,

in the tears of supplication

in the year of flood and fire.

Golden dreams may die away,

golden dreams they fly away,

and every heart the Lord redeems,

will find again their golden dreams

( Golden Dreams - The Lost Dogs )

Nella notte di disperazione,

nel giorno del desiderio perduto,

nelle lacrime di supplica

l'anno di alluvioni e incendi.

Sogni d'oro può morire di distanza,

sogni d'oro volano via,

e in ogni cuore il Signore riscatta,

troverà ancora una volta i loro sogni d'oro

Deep in Prayer

photomanipulation

8in.x6in.

Highest Explore position #167 (thanks everyone!)

1. Inaugurated on October 21, 1989, in Brasília/DF, the TBV was built in a record time of 3 years and 5 months. Also known as the Temple of Peace, it is the first monument in the world dedicated to Unrestricted and Total Ecumenism. It is a remarkable meeting and expression space for dialogue and interreligious relationships. The monument was defined by the traditional newspaper Diário de Notícias, from Portugal, as the “largest pyramidal construction [with seven faces] of the 20th century”.

2. The Temple of Good Will welcomes people every day of the year, for 24 hours, in its main environment, the Nave. “Pain has no time to knock on the heart's door,” said Paiva Netto, upon inaugurating the Temple of Divine Ecumenism, one of its many names. That's why it never closed its doors. TBV is a roof for all humanity, and everyone is very welcome, regardless of belief, disbelief, ideology, political party, social class or ethnic group.

3. The Sacred Pyre in front of the Temple of Good Will symbolizes Universal Solidarity and represents the flame of Ecumenical Fraternity, which will never go out in the hearts of men and women of Good Will. Every day, at 6 pm, the Pira is lit to remember the time of the Angelus Hour.

4. The monument was built based on the number 7, which symbolizes perfection. It is a pyramid with tips and has 7 faces, 21 meters high and 28 meters in diameter; the Crystal at the top of the pyramid weighs 70 pounds; the Spiral, which is in the center of the nave, has 7 dark and 7 light bands. In this environment, there are also 7 benches on each side and the Throne and Altar of God, which has a ladder with 7 steps.

5. At the pinnacle is the Holy Crystal. According to scholars, it is a stone that, in addition to purifying the environment, favors chromotherapy — healing through colors. The crystal, donated to the Temple of Peace, was found in 1989, in Cristalina/GO, by the prospector Chico Jorge (1927-1996) and weighs 21 kilos. At the time, the media considered it the largest pure crystal in the world. In 1997, the renowned plastic artist Siron Franco showed, in the photographic panel of the TBV's Sacred Crystal, the lines that, according to his refined vision, form the perfect image of the face of Jesus, the Ecumenical Christ, the Divine Statesman. The fact has been confirmed by countless people looking at them from the same angle.

6. Each environment of the Temple of Good Will has a qualified receptionist to provide the public daily, from 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends, with all information related to the monument. For foreign groups, it is also possible to schedule guided tours in English and Spanish. In addition, the Temple of Peace has folders available in several languages ​​with explanations from the TBV.

7. In the Nave do TBV, there is the work Throne and Altar of God, made by the Italian sculptor Roberto Moriconi (1932-1993). In it, the four elements of Nature are represented: fire, air, earth and water, to symbolize the Creator (the Heavenly Father). At the suggestion of the author himself, the phrase “Every day is a day to renew our destiny” was inscribed on the Throne and Altar of God, by the founder of TBV, journalist and writer José de Paiva Netto. The artistic representation is positioned in an east-west direction to show the union between the mysticism of the East and the pragmatism of the West and was inspired by the evolutionary spiritual scale of the human being. Its 7 steps represent the infinite mercy of God towards the supplications of those who seek Him.

8. The floor at Nave do TBV is made of granite and has a spiral design, where the visitor walks along the dark colored path, which turns counterclockwise, representing the human being's search for a point of balance. In the center of the Pyramid, just below the Holy Crystal, a bronze plaque symbolizes the discovery of light. The return of the visitor through the light color in the Spiral, clockwise, represents the path illuminated by the moral and spiritual values ​​acquired by human beings. The walk ends in front of the Throne and Altar of God, where the visitor makes his wish/thanks and drinks the fluidized water. Visitors walk barefoot to better catalyze the energies of the environment. This ritual was created by the people themselves as soon as the monument was inaugurated.

9. In the Salão Nobre, works of art, international tributes and the panel The Evolution of Humanity are on display. The images in the paintings were made in Crayon nº 2 pencil by the artists Marcos Garrot and Hamilton Gondim and are of personalities that, in some way, contributed to human progress.

10. The TBV's Noble Hall also holds the Holy Koran, a symbol of Islam, and the Menorah (candlestick), a symbol of Judaism. There is also a certificate from the Grande Oriente Masonry of the Federal District, in recognition of the TBV's Silver Jubilee. Highlight also to China, Holland and Chile, who presented the Temple of Peace, and to the tribute of the Society of Prayer for World Peace, from Japan, with the “Obelisk of Peace”.

11. In the Temple of Good Will, is exposed what is believed to be the only tarot that also has figures from the original tarot, which are monuments of a city, in the case of Brasília. The work, entitled “Tarô de Brasília”, has paintings on canvas made by the artist from Minas Gerais, Marlene Godoy, in commemoration of 30 years of the federal capital. At the time, the TBV was still a newly built monument, and, to complete the main tourist attractions, the artist delivered her work to the space, making it a permanent exhibition at the Temple of Peace Art Gallery.

12. At the Art Gallery, visitors can see a work of French origin made in crystal and hand carved wood. It is a mirror measuring 205 x 300 m2 that refers to the period from 1822 to 1889. It is a tribute to the Brazilian Royal Family that highlights the coat of arms of the Imperial Crown

13. The long grand piano on display at the Art Gallery is from the Steinway & Sons brand, a factory of German origin founded in 1853, in New York, in the United States. Great pianists such as Arthur Moreira Lima and João Carlos Martins have already played on it. There are only 4 copies of this piano model in Brasília/DF: at TBV, at Palácio do Itamaraty, at Universidade de Brasília (UnB) and at Teatro Nacional.

14. The work that portrays a pregnant angel is entitled “Maternity” and was made using the “paper maché” technique by actor and plastic artist Guilherme Karan (1957-2016), who donated it to the Temple of Good Will. The work is a tribute to mothers and symbolizes the woman who, when bearing a child, must protect him in his earthly journey, leading him on the path of Good, Love and Solidarity.

15. The Alziro Zarur Memorial is dedicated to the late founder of the LGW, Alziro Zarur (1914-1979), in a tribute paid by José de Paiva Netto, founder of the TBV. In this space, his furniture and personal items from the 1940s are exposed.

16. The monument is part of the tourist route called “Rota Athos” as it houses the work of the renowned Brazilian artist Athos Bulcão entitled “Peixes”, which represents Nascent Christianity. One of the few made in polychrome wood, the main feature of artistic production is the tile panels. It is exhibited at TBV in a place chosen by the author himself.

17. Before gushing into the Holy Fountain, the water passes through several filters and crosses the Nave where it receives the energies of the Sacred Crystal. In addition to being used to drink and energize crystals, many patrons and visitors also use it for healing and therapeutic purposes. Next to the Holy Fountain, there is a moving 18th century French sculpture made in bronze, which represents Jesus, the Ecumenical Christ, the Divine Statesman, blessing all who circulate there. Space is an exaltation to Nature and water. For this reason, the founder of TBV, Paiva Netto, made a point of recording the following sentence on the site: “Water is Life, without it any kind of existence is impossible. Polluting it is a crime against humanity”. In addition to performing their prayers there, the pilgrims bow and kiss the feet of the beautiful sculpture of Jesus and hold the left hand (next to the heart), in a gesture of great respect and great religiosity, begging for spiritual and material blessings

18. The Mandala is a majestic crystal panel, with interference in marble, in two planes. According to the German artist Ula Haensell (1938-1992), the work is a circle that has neither beginning nor end. Donated by the artist to the Temple of Good Will, it is one of the most sought after during visitation as it is a transmitter of energy. At the center of the Mandala is the representation of God, the Law of Nature, the Cosmic Law, and around the core, emerald green appears, the most spiritual color that a human being can achieve.

19. Brasília, as well as other important capitals, also has its Seven Wonders. In December 2008, TBV was acclaimed as one of the Seven Wonders of Brasília/DF. The choice, made by popular vote, via the Internet, was promoted by the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals (Ibocc), based in Barcelona. In addition to the TBV, the Planalto Palace, the National Congress, the Alvorada Palace, the JK Bridge, the Brasília Cathedral and the Dom Bosco Sanctuary were also elected.

20. Some distinguished international visitors who got to know the Temple of Peace: John Amos (Hollywood star), members of the band Guns N'Roses, Beyoncé staff, Robert Plant and producers and members of his band “The Sensational Space Shifters”, who they went there to meditate before performing in Brasília/DF, in 2012. After walking through the Spiral and observing the Sacred Crystal at the top of the Pyramid, Robert Plant highlighted the quality of the music that played in the environment.

21. The collection of the TBV Art Gallery includes works by famous artists, such as the German Ula Haensell (1938-1992), the Uruguayan Montani, the Venezuelan Maldonado Diaz, Brunhilda Zilles, Concessa Colaço (1907-2001) , by Lia Werner, by Jânio Quadros (1917-1992) and by Mino Carta.

22. The monument celebrates marriage and baptism ceremonies, regardless of religion. It also promotes exhibitions of works of art and ecumenical acts; at the World Parliament of the Ecumenical Fraternity, the LBV's ParlaMundi, a building attached to the TBV, a series of events takes place throughout the year.

23. During one of the lectures at the Spirit and Science World Forum, held in 2000 by the Legion of Good Will (LBV), Russian physicist Edward Krizhanvsky, using the Visualization Gas Discharge Technique, carried out experiments and proved that the atmosphere of the Temple of Good Will (TBV) strengthens the energies of those who enter its doors. The physicist stated that the result was surprising: “The main and most interesting conclusion is that there was a perceptual difference [of the people] before and after returning from the Temple. The volunteers had their energies strengthened and well distributed, in addition to being much clearer”.

On October 18, from 8 am to 6 pm, there will be another edition of the LBV's Spirit and Science World Forum, whose central theme will be “Investigating Spirit, Brain and Mind” and will feature the participation of renowned researchers and scientists .

24. It has been featured in an important series on the BBC British TV network in London, which highlighted the most unknown rituals to the famous temples, on a tour around the planet. Thus, the BBC in London recorded the different expressions of human fascination for the divine with the series "Around the World in 80 Fainths", which ran in February 2009. The program followed the journey of the Anglican Church pastor Pete Owen Jones on all continents showing the customs of the six major religions on the planet: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism (in India). After navigating, with his team of journalists, deserts in Africa and the Americas, mountains in Asia and dense forests to find different manifestations of religious sentiment, Owen Jones found: “Today, in a world that has been divided by supposed religious beliefs, coming to a place where peace, understanding and enlightenment is being promoted among the world's religions is a relief (...) I feel Love when I come to the Temple of Good Will. It was very important to come to TBV”, he said.

25. Since 2003, the Day of Ecumenism has been celebrated on October 21, with the aim of promoting Peace among the most diverse fields of spiritual and human knowledge, making the banner of respect the basis for harmony among human beings , unity and understanding between peoples. The date, celebrated in several Brazilian cities, in addition to Brasília, also honors the Temple of Divine Ecumenism, inaugurated on October 21, 1989, in the federal capital

26. On the last day of the year (31 December), the Spiritual New Year is held to welcome the arrival of a new year. The traditional event brings together hundreds of people looking for environments that provide peace, tranquility, meditation and welcoming to renew their energies. The event is celebrated regardless of religious beliefs. The progressive count for the new year takes place in the center of the nave and ends with the walk along the Spiral.

27. One of the environments most requested by visitors is the Egyptian Room. The unique location brings details of the Egyptian people and, at the same time, provides an environment for meditation. In the Egyptian Room, it is possible to appreciate, among other things, frescoes that reproduce the great sphinx of Giza, the Giza Valley itself, with the three pyramids: Quéops, Quéfren and Miquerinos, as well as replicas of the furniture of the time. On the ceiling, there are also “seven heavens”, which represent the seven days of the week and all the mystique of the number 7. Besides these, there are many other minutiae that confirm the words of the monument's founder, José de Paiva Netto: “If you don't you can go to Egypt, the TBV brings Egypt to you”. The space promotes on Thursdays, at 7 pm, the ecumenical meditation meeting, open to people of all ages.

28. The door of the Temple of Good Will, made of carved wood, is a work by the artist Toninho Maciel. TBV first opened its doors on October 21, 1989, and since then they have never closed. “Pain has no time to knock on the heart's door”, highlights the monument's founder, José de Paiva Netto.

29. Inside the Nave, the main environment of the TBV, there is a statue of the Prophet Daniel. The work represents the passage of the sixth chapter of the book of the Prophet Daniel, in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, under the title: “Daniel in the den of the lions”. The plaster piece was made by students from the Liboreto Artistic Foundation and is a reproduction authorized by the Ministry of Culture of the work of the genius of Brazilian baroque Aleijadinho. The original is made of soapstone and is exhibited in Congonhas/MG.

30. Going down the stairs near the Holy Fountain towards the Alziro Zarur Memorial, there is a huge tapestry entitled “The return of Jesus”. The work is by the master tapestry maker and plastic artist Concessa Colaço, who, in her conception, Christ is Ecumenical, does not have a defined face, therefore, each person will define Him according to their belief or disbelief. The work also emphasizes the New Commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Gospel of Jesus, according to John, 13:34). Further on, the pilgrim finds, at the Alziro Zarur Memorial, the panel A Conquista, by the artist Satyro Marques. The work is based on the last book of the Holy Bible, the Apocalypse of Jesus, and highlights, on its left, the knights mentioned in the biblical text; at the bottom, material and spiritual humanity asking for help; on the right, the trumpets announcing the Triumphal Return of Jesus, the Ecumenical Christ, the Divine Statesman, making a necklace of purification crystals, which resemble the Sacred Crystal, which stands on the pinnacle of the Temple of Good Will (TBV). Behind, are the warriors, soldiers in the service of God.

Temple of Good Will — 30 years

The Temple of Good Will, acclaimed by the people as one of the Seven Wonders of Brasília, is located at Quadra 915 Sul — Brasília/DF. For more information, call: (61) 3114-1070.

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Salah (also namāz in Persian & Hindi, (Arabic: صلاة, Qur'anic Arabic: صلوة) is the ritual prayer practiced by Muslims in supplication to Allah. The term is commonly used to refer to the five daily prayers, which are compulsory upon all mature Muslims.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQTfZodyJIY&feature=channel

A special thanks to my cousin Mike who provided the original photograph of these old barns on our grandparents' farm in eastern Kentucky.

A Spell of Winter

Old death haunts winter

And cold black air clings tight and greedy

To the sere grasses under the hill.

The moon travels in other circles tonight

While the wakeful stars,

Inviolate and icy,

Scintillating with silent strengths,

Keep vigil.

Trees,

Darker than the besetting air,

Stand with their shivering arms

Thrust naked towards the bitter sky

In frozen supplication.

The earth is enchanted

By a spell of winter.

It is frigid and asleep,

But it dreams of consummation.

taken from Elementa (Loosey Goosey Press, 2008) by Faith Goble

Postcard from 1913 of the painting "Supplication" by the Polish artist, Piotr Stachiewicz (1858-1938). The image of the Blessed Virgin was inspired by the Icon of Our Lady of Ostra Brama, Vilnius, Lithuania.

One young Palestinian brother couldn't hold back his tears. As he prayed and supplicated he cried tears filled with sorrow. If only we were there afterwards to comfort him, we would have done so...Do not forget your brothers who have nothing and sacrifice even what they cannot afford to sacrifice. If they are patient, shouldn't we be patient too? Have patience in your life and be patient.

Patience is described in the Quran as “Sabrun jameel.” A "beautiful patience.”

Palestinian Muslim worshippers take part in Friday prayers in a parking lot just outside the Old City of Jerusalem.

February 16, 2007. REUTERS / Ammar Awad (JERUSALEM)

Happy Eid ul-Adha (Eid-e-Qorban) to all my Muslim friends :)

عيد الأضحى (Arabic)

عيد الأضحى أحد أهم مناسبتين عند المسلمين , يصادف هذا اليوم العاشر من ذي الحجة بعد انتهاء وقفة عرفة , الموقف الذي يقف فيه حجاج بيت الله الحرام لتأدية أهم مناسك حج البيت , يعتبر هذا العيد أيضا ذكرى لقصة إبراهيم عليه السلام عندما أراد التضحية بابنه اسماعيل تلبية لأمر ربه لذلك يقوم العديد من المسلمين بالتقرب إلى الله في هذا اليوم بالتضحية بأحد الأنعام (خروف , أو بقرة , أو ناقة) و توزيع لحم الأضحية على الأقارب و الفقراء و أهل بيته , ومن هنا جاء اسمه "عيدالأضحى

(Source: Arabic Wikipedia)

----------------------------------------------

عید قربان (Persian)

عید قُربان (در عربی: عيد الأضحی، در ترکی: Kurban Bayramı) یکی از روزهای فرخنده در تقویم اسلامی است.

روز دهم ماه قمری ذی الحجه، مصادف با عید قربان از گرامیترین عیدهای مسلمانان است که به یاد ابراهیم و فرزندش اسماعیل، توسط بسیاری از مسلمانان جشن گرفته میشود.

عید قربان که از جمله تعطیلات رسمی مسلمانان است، از یک تا چهار روز جشن گرفته میشود و در طی آن مردم با پوشیدن بهترین پوشاک خود، پس از انجام عبادات، به دید و بازدید و جشن و سرور میپردازند.

البته برگزار کردن مراسم قربانی در این عید بر همه واجب نیست و تنها بر زائران کعبه در مراسم حج واجب است، اما بسیاری از مسلمانان در سراسر جهان در این روز، گوسفند، گاو یا شتری را قربانی کرده و گوشت آنرا بین همسایگان و مستمندان تقسیم میکنند.

حاجیان در این روز پس از به پایان رساندن مناسک حج، حیوانی را ذبح میکنند و پس از قربانی آنچه بر آنان در حال احرام، حرام شده بود - مانند نگاه کردن در آینه، گرفتن ناخن و شانه زدن مو -، حلال میگردد و با توجه به اینکه حج، یکی از عبادتهای بسیار مهم در اسلام است، توانایی به انجام رساندن آن نیز برای هر مسلمانی بسیار شادی آور است، در نتیجه، روزی که پس از انجام وظایف سنگین حج، به عنوان جایزه الهی و اتمام احرام پیش میآید را عید میدانند.

همچنین در روایتهای مکرری نقل شده که در روز عید قربان، قربانی کنید تا گرسنگان و بیچارگان نیز به خوراک برسند.

ریشه عید قربان

عيد قربان ريشه در دوران ماقبل تاريخ بشر دارد. انسان اوليه که از فهم طبيعت عاجز است، برای به دست اوردن ترحم خدايان دست به قربانی کردن حيوانات و انسان ها ميزند. اين رسم نزد همه ملل و اديان به اسامی مختلف موجود بوده است. اين سنت طولانی بشری در اسلام نيز پذيرفته شده است.

در روایات مختلف دینی آمده است که ابراهیم در سن بالا دارای فرزندی شد که او را اسماعیل نام نهاد و برایش بسیار عزیز و گرامی بود. اما مدتها بعد، هنگامی که اسماعیل به سنین نوجوانی رسیده بود، فرمان الهی چندین بار در خواب به ابراهیم نازل شد و بدون ذکر هیچ دلیلی به او دستور داده شد تا اسماعیل را قربانی کند.

او پس از کشمکشهای فراوان درونی، در نهایت با موافقت خالصانه فرزندش، به محل مورد نظر میروند و ابراهیم آماده سر بریدن فرزند محبوب خود میشود. اما به هنگام انجام قربانی اسماعیل خداوند که او را سربلند در امتحان مییابد، گوسفندی را برای انجام ذبح به نزد ابراهیم میفرستد.

این ایثار و عشق پیامبر به انجام "فرمان خدا"، فریضهای برای حجاج میگردد تا در این روز قربانی کنند و از این طریق برای یتیمان و تهیدستان خوراکی فراهم سازند. دراین روز همچنین مستحب است که نماز عید قربان برپا گردد. نماز عید قربان باید در فاصله زمانی طلوع آفتاب روز عید تا ظهر خوانده شود و شامل دو رکعت است.

(Source: Persian Wikipedia)

----------------------------------------------

Eid ul-Adha (Eid -e- Qorban)

Eid ul-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى), or Eid-e Qurban (Persian: عید قربان) or Kurban Bayramı (Turkish) occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja. It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah.Others celebrate Eid-ul Adha as it marks the end of the Pilgrimage or Hajj for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca each year. Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a khutba. In Mecca, the Khutba is delivered at Mount Arafat.

It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar, after Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

Eid ul-Fitr is three days while Eid ul-Adha is four days long. Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing and perform prayer (Salaa) in a large congregation called as Eid Ghah(worshing place for Eid). Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice best domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice,any faulty animal scarifcation may not be acceptable by Allah(Quran,Hadith); this sacrifice is called "Qurban." The meat is equally distributed amongst themselves, their neighbours and relatives, and the poor and hungry. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid ul-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished Muslim is left without sacrificial food during this day. Coming immediately after the Day of Mount Arafat when Muhammad (PBUH) pronounced the final seal on the religion of Islam, Eid ul-Adha gives concrete realization to what the Muslim community ethic means in practice. People in these days are expected to visit their relations, starting from their parents, then their families and friends.

Traditions and practices

After the Eid ul-Adha prayer and upuntil the sunset of the third following day, Muslims are encouraged to offer sacrifice. The sacrificed animals (camels, cows, goats and sheeps) have to meet certain age and quality standards. At the time of sacrifice, Allah's name is recited along with the offering statement and a supplication as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said (Arabic audio with English meaning).

In the name of Allah بسم الله

Allah is the greatest والله أكبر

O Allah, indeed this is from you and for you اللهم إن هذا منك ولك

O Allah accept from me اللهم تقبل مني

Eating and sharing the meat is considered an element of worship during this period, as well as saying Takbir out loud in public, see about Takbir in "Traditions and practices" of Eid ul-Fitr

(Source: Wikipedia)

Added to flickr Explore (interestingness) page of 30 December 2006.

Always remember you.

Have you seen a more sweet suggestion? She actually waited and waited in that exact position, until I noticed!

La Rogativa is a famous bronze statue located at the Plazuela de la Rogativa in Old San Juan. "The Legend of La Rogativa" and this statue that commemorates the first time local, civilian islanders fought for their island marks the birth of Puerto Rican patriotism or “puertorriqueñismo.”

Rogativa is an old Spanish word for prayer that derives from the verb “rogar” meaning to plea or supplicate. The legend is about a Catholic Bishop and his companions who made an evening procession in faith holding crosses and torches, while chanting during an invasion and the surprising results that supposedly happened.

When all seemed lost the women of the city, along with the bishop, started at the Cathedral and paraded through the streets at night singing hymns, carrying torches, bells, and praying for their city to be saved. It is then claimed that the British mistook the sights and sounds of that night and thought the procession was Spanish Army reinforcements. And then, believing that reinforcements outnumbering the British had arrived, Abercrombie’s fleet abandoned the siege and left.

What definitely did happen was that British troupes led by Sir Ralph Abercromby (who had just conquered Trinidad) had taken control of the city through a naval blockage on April 30, 1797. What definitely didn't happen was the British getting to celebrate another victory. Historians may see the unfolding of events a bit differently than the legend of La Rogativa but why should history stand in the way of a good story?

The statue that stands 12-feet tall in front of an old sentry box with a beautiful view of the San Juan Bay was completed in 1971 by Lindsay Daen.

“The oldest living city in the world”.

"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes."

(The Holy Bible - Daniel 9:3)

Those women were sitting on the ghats along river Ganga in Varanasi (Benaras).

There are eating “singhara” which is a root found in small seasonal pounds in Uttar Pradesh.

Ladies eat it when they are fasting.

I think that the elder ones took a deep in the holy waters just before I came and this is why her hair are still wet.

They seemed to be happy to be there, looking at them was ticking away the moments that make up a dull day.

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When translated ,the literal meaning would be something like ,Krishna (a hindu deity ) ,come and show me your face. But on a closer look, we can also see the non literal hidden meaning that , Krishna is not just asked to show his face,rather its a prayer of supplication ,He to be within us and cleanse our mind of temptations & evil thoughts and bestow blessings on us . And thats the bond between a devotee and God, An affectionate and faithful tie that binds our soul to the supreme being :) .

Captured With Canon SX 100 IS

In which the male signals his intentions and his inedibility to the female by raising his forelimbs in supplication.

Fitinhas do Senhor do Bonfim

A fita original foi criada em 1809, tendo desaparecido no início da década de 1950. Conhecida como medida do Bonfim, o seu nome devia-se ao fato de que media

--

The little ribbons of Our Lord of Bonfim

As they are currently known and widespread, are called “measures” because traditionally their length was that of the right arm of the Lord of Bonfim’s image.

Therefore, the ribbon must be left tied to the wrist until it falls off, which is a sign that the supplications shall be fulfilled.

Salvador, Bahia - Brasil

My wife and I attended the fall dance concert at Dobson High School, where our daughter Vanessa, who is a senior this year, was scheduled to perform. There was never any question that we would be present for the big event, but I very nearly went there without my camera. Sheila asked me shortly before we left if I planned to take it with me, and I said no. When she asked why, I said I knew Vanessa probably wouldn't want me taking pictures of her, so I figured it might be better if I just left the camera at home. She persuaded me to take it along anyway, with fortunate results, including this dramatic image of one of the performers in mid-leap. I came home with something like 573 new images, although I don't think I got any really good ones of Vanessa, so I may not be posting any that include her.

There is a story behind this particular shot. I learned later that the girl's name is Nykaela, to whom I apologize in advance if I have misspelled her name. I have not seen her in several years, but she and Vanessa spent a lot of time together when both girls were about 11. I used to have to chauffeur them all over creation, especially on Saturday afternoons. On one of them, the girls needed to be taken somewhere, and as usual, I decided to bring a CD with me to play in the car. Vanessa saw me headed toward the chest of drawers where I kept my CDs, whereupon she hurried over to interpose herself between the drawers and me, struck a supplicating pose -- complete with clasped hands and a plaintive tone of voice -- and begged that I please, please not bring my opera. It was priceless, and I wish I could have recorded the moment on video. I acceded to her wishes and left all of my opera CDs at home that day; instead, I may have taken an album of Greek folk music that she often allowed me to bring as a compromise. It may also have been on this same occasion that she asked me what the words meant in one of the songs, to which I responded that I didn't speak Greek and had no idea, and that for all I knew the song might have been about me and what a nutcase I am.

Halloween Advent 2010 - Figure Calendar

"This is the dead land, this is cactus land

Here the stone images are raised, here they receive

The supplication of a dead man's hand

Under the twinkle of a fading star."

— T.S. Eliot

______________________________________

* Custom headgear & armor painted by Morgan19

Photo sources: my Adoration of The Shepherds - Nocture III, 2019, 5x7ins, 2021, with details adapted from Gerrit van Honthorst’s "Nativity," 1622 (Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Koln), and various others. For credits, see further: www.flickr.com/photos/walford/5279017634/in/photolist-2i4...; and, below, my Supplication: (Lazarus at the Rich Man's Window), Christmas/New Year, 2007.JPG, see www.flickr.com/photos/walford/2144685484/in/album-7215762...

The fence and the prayer flags can be found at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery in Woodstock, NY... The monastery was built through the blessings and inspiration of His Holiness the 16th Gwalya Karmapa, the Head of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness' vision came in response to the sincere supplication of students in the West who yearned for an authentic Tibetan Buddhist monastery for the study and practice of the Buddha's teachings.

To this day, the 16th Karmapa's vision is being fulfilled as the "whispered lineage" (Kagyu)teachings which are preserved in their purity and made available to students in the West who wish to learn Tibetan Buddhism.

Happy Fence Friday!

खुश बाड़ शुक्रवार

Merry Christmas to my wonderful flickr friends. May you know peace and joy. (This photo made Explore on December 8, 2008.)

A Spell of Winter

Old death haunts winter

And cold black air clings tight and greedy

To the sere grasses under the hill.

The moon travels in other circles tonight

While the wakeful stars,

Inviolate and icy,

Scintillating with silent strengths,

Keep vigil.

Trees,

Darker than the besetting air,

Stand with their shivering arms

Thrust naked towards the bitter sky

In frozen supplication.

The earth is enchanted

By a spell of winter.

It is frigid and asleep,

But it dreams of consummation.

taken from Elementa (Loosey Goosey Press, 2008) by Faith Goble

You can read Luan Gaines' review of Elementa at www.curledup.com/elementa.htm

and an interview at www.curledup.com/intfgoble.htm.

Press "L" to view on black :)

"O' Thou! Who perfecteth all bounties and Who wardeth off all misfortunes! O' Light! Who illuminateth those who are in bewilderment! O' Omniscient! Who knoweth without (acquisition of) learning!

My Lord! I look earnestly towards Thee and towards Thee, my Lord! I have stretched forth my hands therefore, by Thy honour, respond to my supplication and let me attain my wishes and, by Thy bounty, frustrate not my hopes and protect me from the evils of my enemies, from among the jinns and mankind o' Thou! Who readily pleased, forgive one who owns nothing but supplication for Thou doest what Thou willest o' Thou! Whose Name is the remedy (for all ills) and Whose remembrance is a sure cure for all ailments and obedience to Whom makes one self sufficient; have mercy on one whose only asset is hope and whose only armour is lamentation."

HAPPY RAMADHAN :)

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Taken & Edit by: me

Camera: Canon EOS 500D

Exposure: (1/100)

Aperture: ƒ/8

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 55 mm

ISO Speed: 100

Flash: Off, Did not fire

Lens: Canon EF 18-55mm

Processed with VSCOcam with lv01 preset

The Prodigal Son (1914)

bronze (original model before 1887; enlarged 1893; cast 1914.)

— Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917).

— on loan from The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco.

Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern, at...

The High Museum of Art

Atlanta (Midtown), Georgia, USA.

30 December 2022.

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▶ "In The Prodigal Son, Rodin repurposed the male figure from Fugit Amor. The isolated and enlarged body is now positioned vertically, his back arched and hands extended in supplication or frustration. The title refers to a parable in the Christian Gospel of Luke in which a son returns home to his welcoming father after squandering his inheritance. Rodin sent this bronze cast to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, where Alma de Bretteville Spreckels acquired it [and later gave it as a gift to The Fine Arts Museum]."

— museum placard

***************

▶ "Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) is one of the most celebrated sculptors of the modern age, represented in museums and private collections across the globe. However, this was not always the case.

This exhibition ["Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern" at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia: 21 October 2022 - 15 January 2023] was organized by the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts."

***************

▶ Photo by Yours For Good Fermentables.com.

▶ For a larger image, type 'L' (without the quotation marks).

— Follow on Facebook: YoursForGoodFermentables.

— Follow on Instagram: @tcizauskas.

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▶ Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 II.

— Lens: Lumix G 20/F1.7 II.

— Edit: Photoshop Elements 15, Nik Collection.

▶ Commercial use requires explicit permission, as per Creative Commons.

'SUPPLICANT' 
or "SUPPLICATION to the INEVITABLE"

10" X 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm) Acrylic on wood panel

October 2008, Los Angeles

My mind wanders to visions of a future after the angry Mohammedans have set off their suitcase W.M.D.'s, and a chain reaction has occurred, leaving not much other than a poor few folks who probably envy the dead.

In more logical thinking, I doubt any human life will remain after 'everything' hits the fan. The seeds of racial and religious hatred, territorialism and insouciance for the stability of our environment will eventually come to an inevitable conclusion. The human race will go out with a pathetic whimper, not a defiant howl. Of course, I hope this is many years away … but we can't be sure of that. We can't be sure of anything anymore.

It's fun to imagine a post-apocalyptic world full of tough survivalist guys and sexy women. Visions gleaned from TV and Movies where heros can overcome any obstacle. Suffering and anguish is what happens to "others". These "victims" are at fault for being too old, or too young, or not going to the gym enough. In fact, The entertainment media glamifies the horrors in subtle ways. Shows like "24" and "THE UNIT" are full of propaganda which bombards viewers with America's War Mongering, torturer policies and glorifies the militant 'Superman Survivalist Good Guy' bullshit. Perhaps a race of sociopathic sado-masochists will evolve and make this a reality?

Even though I know it's lethal crap, I laugh along with everyone, and love these shows. My trusty TIVO gets them all for me! I still cherish my adolescent fantasies of survivors who are willing and able to flourish in a Post-Apoc "Mad-Max" Stone Age. I dig all the destruction, murder, War, degradation and humiliation!

Here, in this painting, I have painted a meek survivor, supplicating his/her self to the more powerful, huge and emotionless cyborgian priest. In the future the Priesthood of Cyborgs will possess the final truth and be the providers for the remaining meek humans ( who have inherited* the Earth, but not what the Christians expected).

All prayers and sacrifices are made to the immortal machines. The machine clerics have become the spiritual leaders and oracles of the planet, the new religious hierarchy. The ultimate religion which believes in complete randomness. Their spiritual followers are the human detritus, remnants of the suicided race, their dwindling flock. And in the course of nature, the latter will perish, and the machines will rebuild and evolve themselves into a more perfect organism which will reign until something better comes along.

* Blessed are the worms, for they shall inherit our bodies" ~ rs connett. Circa 1997

One year nearer to Heaven--or nearer to Hell!

(Arthur Pink, "Studies in the Scriptures" January, 1926)

Another year has passed away--gone into eternity with all its sad and glad records.

Sad, because of our sins and our failures--all of which have been observed and recorded by the All-seeing eye!

Sad, because numbers who "did run well"--do so no longer.

Glad, because of the "goodness and mercy" which have surely followed us day by day.

Glad, because . . .

weak ones have been strengthened,

sorrowing ones have been comforted, and

hungry ones have been fed with the Bread of Life.

How is it with you--progression or regression?

One thing is certain--January, 1926 finds you one year nearer to Heaven--or nearer to Hell!

Reader! You have entered this New Year, either accepted in God's Beloved--or under God's holy wrath! How unspeakably solemn are the alternatives!

To any unsaved reader who scans these lines, we would say: You have commenced this year on earth--and you may end it in Hell, where a ray of hope never enters. "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace. Thereby good will come to you." Job 22:21

To the Christian--not to the professing one, but the the genuine believer--we would say: What a bright hope is yours! How precious is the thought, that before 1926 ends, you may be "forever with the Lord!" The bud of promise--may burst into the full fruit of unspeakable bliss! The springtime of faith and hope--may give place to the unending summertime of blessedness and eternal glory.

Since this is the case, let us be reminded of our solemn responsibility at the dawn of another year . . .

to yield ourselves afresh to God,

to seek His face with full purpose of heart,

to supplicate Him for new supplies of grace--

that we may serve Him as never before!

"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:11-12

"So teach us to number our days aright--that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Dedicated to my Larry... and my Jesus....

both are so very important in my life!!!

They light up my life!!!!

Enjoy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnk8SKD9zcA

In the Bible, John 8:12 records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said, ‘I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in

darkness but have the light of life.’” The allegory used by the Lord in this verse

speaks of the light of His Truth, the light of His Word, the light of eternal Life.

Those who perceive the true Light will never walk in spiritual darkness.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Read more: www.gotquestions.org/light-of-the-world.html#ixzz30zHOlpKd

African Dietes Irises - African Iris Plant Info: Dietes is only found in

South Africa and on Lord Howe Island between Australia and New Zealand.

There are six species of Dietes, five from tropical Africa and one from

Lord Howe Island. The genus name “Dietes” is derived from the Greek “dis”

which means twice and “etes” which means an associate—twice – pertaining

to its position between Moraea and Iris, two of its relatives. They were previously

classified in the genus Moraea, but members of that genus are not rhizomatous.

Since the African iris was formerly classified in this genus, it is still at times

referred to as Morea iris by some gardeners. The species name “bicolor” means

two-colored. Other Dietes species include the Fortnight lily and Butterfly iris.

See: www.plantingflowerbulbs.com/african-ris.htm

The holy month of Ramadan enjoys a special importance in the Islamic calendar. As the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "It is Allah's Own month." It is the chief of all months and the most glorious one. As we already know, 'Fasting' is one of the important pillars of Islam and it is the very month of Ramadan during which fasting has been made obligatory for all adults and sane Muslims. By fasting during Ramadan, a Muslim besides discharging an obligation imposed upon him by Allah (SWT), becomes entitled to great reward in the Hereafter. On the other hand, any lapse in the matter amounts to a great sin. Fasting is an article of worship, the knowledge about the performance or otherwise whereof rests only with Allah (SWT) and the person concerned. Hence, it is Allah alone who will reward that person for it, on the Day of Judgment.

The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Qur'an commenced during this very month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Qur'an and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul.

Ramadan is the month of fasting, intensive prayer, sacrifice and Divine worship. Throughout this month a devout Muslim fasts during the day in the true sense of the word, that is, he had merely denies himself food and water, but as explained by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), exercises strict control over his tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds and does everything possible to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

Devout supplications to Allah (SWT) and repentance of one's sins during Ramadan are the sources of Divine blessings and mercy. Some nights, among the last ten nights of Ramadan, are called the 'Nights of Glory' (Laylatul Qadr). These are the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights. Muslims keep awake during these nights and offer special prayers. Even among these nights, the 23rd enjoys excellence over all the others. It is accompanied by great blessings, and he usually grants the supplications made to Allah (SWT) during this night.

The holy month of Ramadan, besides being the month of worship and Divine blessings, carries a historical importance as well. As already mentioned above, the revelations of the Holy Qur'an commenced in this month. The epoch-making 'Battle of Badr' and the 'Conquest of Mecca' also took place during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Ramadan", according to some traditions is one of Allah's names. This is why we can not say Ramadan without making it clear that we are talking about the month, and therefore we should always say the month of Ramadan. The Commander of the faithful Ali ibn Abi Taleb (A.S.) said: Do not say Ramadan, but say the month of Ramadan. For you do not know what Ramadan is. This same meaning was referred to by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in his speech during Shaaban:

Ripples on the surface

deep down

still waters of the soul.

~ maggie

"Grant us a shelter at Thy threshold and inform us of Thy mysteries! Make our eyes seeing and our ears hearing! Suffer our hearts and souls to be drawn unto Thee by the power of supplication and prayer."

-Baha'u'llah

This mosaic dates from shortly after the Restoration of Constantinople (1261) and was probably commissioned to express gratitude for the victory of Michael VIII Palaeologus (1261-1282), which put an end to Crusader occupation. .Deisis (Greek: δέησις, "prayer" or "supplication"), is a traditional iconic representation of Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantocrator: enthroned, carrying a book, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, and sometimes other saints and angels. Mary and John, and any other figures, are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication on behalf of humanity.In this mosaic reflect a profound spirituality and announce a new epoch of Byzantine art marked by high aesthetic standards and classical trends.

In November, as the trees lose their summer vigour after the youthful vibrance of spring, they might appear lifeless and dead. But we know, of course, that nature is only dormant, hibernating, asleep. Fittingly, then, at this time of year our minds turn with the sacred Liturgy to the reality of death, to the dying, and to the dead, particularly the “Holy Souls” in Purgatory.

November is a time for remembering our mortality and the lives of those who have gone before us; this year in particular, the shades of our mortality and of death loom large. But with faith in Christ, we know that although we die and are buried, like those winter trees, the Christian soul is but dormant, asleep, waiting to be awakened at the Second Coming of Christ. As St Paul says: “We believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

Hence, our word ‘cemetery’ comes via Latin from the Greek word koimeterion, which means a dormitory, a place of sleep and rest. In this month, therefore, be sure to undertake the pious and charitable practice of visiting cemeteries and praying for the dead there. Indeed, the Church encourages us to pray for the dead, particularly the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory (the Holy Souls). So from November 2-8 a plenary indulgence can be gained for them, so long as one visits a cemetery and says a prayer for the dead.

But why should we pray for the dead, and to what effect do we do this? There is, perhaps, no Christian practice other than prayer for the faithful departed which can more concretely express our belief that death is not the end. Rather, we continue to live in Christ.

In 1529, one Simon Fish, however, wrote a tract entitled “Supplication for Beggars” in which, among other things, he contested the doctrine of Purgatory, and so called into question the until-then universal Christian piety of praying for the dead which can be traced to the earliest days of the faith. Within months St Thomas More responded with a two-volume work entitled “The Supplication of Souls”, which affirmed that the souls in Purgatory “have been recommended unto God and eased, helped, and relieved both by the private prayers of good virtuous people, and especially by the daily Masses and other ghostly [ie spiritual] suffrages of priests, religious, and folk of Holy Church”.

St Thomas Aquinas does not explain at length how our prayers help the souls in Purgatory, he just says that they do help. For the souls in Purgatory are being purified from venial sin and worldly attachments – they must thus increase in charity, in love for God. So, by way of an explanation, St Thomas Aquinas appeals to the bond of charity that unites us in the Church, such that our suffrages, which are our prayers, lovingly offered for the dead in Purgatory, can console and offer relief.

As St Thomas More put it: “in surety of salvation [the souls in purgatory are] fellows with angels; [but] in need of relief [they] be yet fellows with [us here on earth]”. Hence the Holy Souls, like us, are somehow comforted and soothed and helped by acts of charity, by the works of love that we do for one another in the communion of the Church. Love brings healing and comfort amid isolation, sorrow, and suffering, which is something we all recognise especially in this time of a pandemic. In this month of the Holy Souls, therefore, let us pray for the dead in the hope that, as St Thomas More said, “We will merrily meet in heaven.”

Purgatorial Altar from the church of San Francisco el Grande in Antigua Guatemala.

My sister from the land of " Uncle Sam" woke me up in panic call about the super typhoon that will hit the Philippines again. Indeed, that woke me up, but not a tad of panic in my heart. She was anxious about our frail "Papa" etc etc. I said to her calm down. I'm not a panicky person, perhaps even if hell breaks loose, just leave the mind more composed . It doesn't help to panic or freak out easily. To me, come what may , whatever happens they are spiritually saved, that's my core belief and most important. So I turned on my laptop and searched for news and whoa - 2 days before typhoon landfall, it was classified " Super Typhoon" . It can be alarming and it looks like on the same path as Yolanda. People in my village were panicking. I said to her , just in case it gets on direct path or swerves to hit our area , just let them move to somewhere safe, hire a driver and drive them away. Easy said than done, but there's still enough time to move away if they decide to. There's no fear when you're in the Lord. My father just preferred to stay in his house. We'd been praying in agreement with my sister, that my area wont be hit and asking on request for angelic protection in the name of Jesus , to move the typhoon away.

Philipppians 4:6

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

James 5:16

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Just as they 2 days went the super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon , the path of the typhoon moved a bit away and our place isn't anymore on the critical path. Though they may experience some bit of rain . But we are praying for safety of all people who are right on the direct path of the typhoon.

I posted this photo to show how close my little hide away to the sea , should the typhoon hit our place, no doubt this right on the firing line and will turn into pieces , as this will get the surge of raging massive waves and wind.

But God is so good !

As long as I'm in charge and holding this place, God is protecting the area around. When I leave , this will be under the raging elements.

Praises be to God , He is super amazing !!!

Moulin de Frouville Pensier

Legend has it that Mormon pioneers named this tree after the Biblical figure, Joshua, seeing the limbs of the tree as outstretched in supplication, guiding the travelers westward. When ranchers arrived in the high desert with hopes of raising cattle, they used the Joshua tree’s limbs and trunks for fencing and corrals. Gold miners found a source of fuel for the steam engines used in processing ore.

What is most needed today

(Arthur Pink, "Eternal Punishment")

It is the deepening conviction of the writer,

that what is most needed today, is a wide

proclamation of those truths which are the

least acceptable to the flesh.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting

forth of the character of God—

His absolute sovereignty,

His ineffable holiness,

His inflexible justice,

His unchanging veracity.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting

forth of the condition of the natural man—

his total depravity,

his spiritual insensibility,

his inveterate hostility to God,

the fact that he is "condemned already"

and that the wrath of a sin-hating God

is even now abiding upon him!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting

forth of the alarming danger which sinners

are in—the indescribably awful doom which

awaits them, the fact that if they follow their

present course only a little further—they shall

most certainly suffer the due penalty of their

iniquities!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting

forth of the nature of that dreadful punishment

which awaits the lost—

the awfulness of it,

the hopelessness of it,

the unendurableness of it,

the endlessness of it!

Excepting the Cross of Christ, nothing else

so manifests the heinousness of sin—as the

doctrine of eternal punishment.

It is just because these truths have been

withheld so much from public ministry to

the saints—that we now find so many

backboneless, sentimental, lop-sided

Christians in our assemblies!

A clearer vision of the awe-inspiring attributes

of God—would banish much of our levity and

irreverence.

A better understanding of our depravity by

nature—would humble us, and make us see

our deep need of using the appointed means

of grace.

A facing of the alarming danger of the lost

sinner—would cause us to "consider our ways"

and make us more diligent to make our "calling

and election sure."

A realization of the unspeakable misery which

awaits the lost (and which each of us fully merited)

would immeasurably deepen our gratitude, and bring

us to thank God more fervently—that we have been

snatched as brands from the burning, and delivered

from the wrath to come! It would also make us far

more earnest in our prayers—as we supplicate God

on behalf of the unsaved.

(Classical reference in the title.)

Katie benignly considers the supplications of her subjects.

Psalm 119:170

Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. (KJV)

#Savior #Theology #DailyBread #PicOfTheDay

www.bible-sms.com/

At the heart of Josefov is the Stary zidovsky hrbitov (old Jewish Cemetery), established in the fifteenth century, it was used until 1787. On many graves you can see pebbles, some with small messages of supplication...

The inner medallion shows one of the most famous event narrated in the poem Ilioupersis: Ajax (Ajax the Lesser or Ajax Oileus) seizes and captures Cassandra at the Palladion, a votive sculpture dedicated to Athena.

Ajax, bearded, with high-crested helmet, white cuirass with incised lines, short purple chiton with chevron border, purple greaves, sword-belt and sheath, drawn sword in right hand, is about to slay Cassandra, whom he has seized with left hand. She crouches to left at the feet of the Palladion, her head being hidden behind it; she is nude, with left hand extended in supplication to Ajax. The goddess is represented standing to left, with long tresses, high-crested helmet, long diapered chiton with chevron border, spear brandished in right hand, shield painted purple with Gorgoneion in white, the features incised, eyes and tongue purple. Behind is a Siren to right looking back, with wings outspread, long hair and fillet. In the field are two lotus-buds. In the exergue, a row of lotus-buds.

Exterior: two friezes (a) Apotheosis of Heracles, (b) Combat of two warriors (perhaps Achilles and Memnon).

Attic Black-figured kylix - 'Siana' shape

H. 19.0 cm; W. 33.4 cm;

To the manner of The C Painter

570 – 580 BC

From Siana, Rhodes

London, The British Museum - No. 1885,1213.11

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I'm going to admit something. As much as I love Japan, I have often found the well-known tourist sites to be, well, pretty much a disappointment.

I went to Ryōan-ji with a friend who'd been there before and wasn't prepared to pay to get in again - so I wasn't expecting much either. Just a few rocks, I thought.

WOAH! I loved this place. There actually was something special about it. After perambulating through various gardens, you arrive at the rock garden - perhaps the epitome of Zen Buddhism itself - where people sit gazing peacefully at the rocks and pebble formations ahead. Here, a Japanese worker, often known as a salaryman, sits during his lunch break. I must say I do feel for the Japanese salarymen - many working from the morning until late at night (like many of my friends there), and I guess for this guy, this visit to Ryōan-ji was a chance to relax, rest and recuperate.

Matt

From Wikipedia:

Ryōan-ji (Shinjitai: 竜安寺, Kyūjitai: 龍安寺, The Temple of the Dragon at Peace) is a Zen temple located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. Belonging to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism, the temple and karesansui garden is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site of the temple was originally a Fujiwara family estate. It eventually came into the hands of the Hosokawa clan branch of the Fujiwaras. Hosokawa Katsumoto inherited the residence, and lived here before the Ōnin War. Katsumoto willed the war-ravaged property to be converted into a Zen sect temple complex after his death. Later Hosokawa emperors are grouped together in what are today known as the "Seven Imperial Tombs" at Ryoan-ji. The burial places of these emperors -- Uda, Kazan, Ichijō, Go-Suzaku, Go-Reizei, Go-Sanjō, and Horikawa -- would have been comparatively humble in the period after their deaths. These tombs reached their present state as a result of the 19th century restoration of imperial sepulchers (misasagi) which were ordered by Emperor Meiji.

An object of interest near the rear of the monks quarters is the carved stone receptacle into which water for ritual purification continuously flows. This is the Ryōan-ji tsukubai (蹲踞?), which translates literally as "crouch;" and the lower elevation of the basin requires the user to bend a little bit to reach the water, which suggests supplication and reverence. The kanji written on the surface of the stone are without significance when read alone. If each is read in combination with 口 (kuchi), which the central bowl is meant to represent, then the characters become 吾, 唯, 足, 知. This is read as "ware tada taru (wo) shiru" and translates literally as "I only know plenty" (吾 = ware = I, 唯 = tada = only, 足 = taru = plenty, 知 = shiru = know). The meaning of the phrase carved into the top of the tsukubai is simply that "what one has is all one needs" and is meant to reinforce the basic anti-materialistic teachings of Buddhism.

I Have Prayed For You

"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:32

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer’s never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter—“Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat [v31]; but”—what? “But go and pray for yourself.” That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does he say, “But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved.” That were a great blessing. No, it is, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” We little know what we owe to our Saviour’s prayers. When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God hath led us, how we shall praise him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth. How shall we thank him because he never held his peace, but day and night pointed to the wounds upon his hands, and carried our names upon his breastplate! Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Mark, he does not say, “Satan hath desired to have you.” He checks Satan even in his very desire, and nips it in the bud. He does not say, “But I have desired to pray for you.” No, but “I have prayed for you: I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation is made.” O Jesus, what a comfort it is that thou hast pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence. Hallelujah God bless

The Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, or The Holy Community of the All-Holy Sepulchre, is the Orthodox monastic fraternity that for centuries has guarded and protected the Christian Holy places in the Holy Land. A sepulchre is a burial chamber and in this case Holy Sepulchre refers to the burial chamber of Jesus, believed to be in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Brotherhood also administers the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the chief, president, governor, and hegumen of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre and is commemorated as “Our Father and Lord, the Most Holy Beatitude, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and of all Palestine.”

Members of the Brotherhood are the administrative officers of the Patriarchate; and the metropolitans, archbishops, bishops, archimandrites, hieromonks, hierodeacons, and monks of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem are members of the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre was traditionally founded in 313 (which corresponds with the Edict of Milan and legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire) and the foundation of the Churches in the Holy Land by Constantine and St Helen, which is traditionally dated to 326. At first, it bore the name "Order of the Spoudaeoi (studious, zealous, industrious, serious)," or "The Spoudaeoi of the Holy Resurrection of Christ."

The Brotherhood consisted of the ordained clergy charged with the care and preservation of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy places in Jerusalem. They were distinguished primarily for their observance of uninterrupted mental prayer and heartfelt supplication. At the same time, the Members of the Brotherhood were renowned for their virtuous and diligent ascetic life. According to findings of contemporary researchers, they were living ascetic lives before 326 and were organized as an Order during the visit of St Helen to the Holy City. St Cyril of Jerusalem makes mention of them.