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A Novelist Considers Prayer The following is from the book "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Julia Spencer-Fleming, in which Clare, the new "lady Episcopal priest" in a small New England town gets caught up in a murder mystery. Harlene is the receptionist at the sheriffs station and the sheriff may be in grave danger... Harlene looked embarrassed. "I was going to ask if you believe praying can really help at a time like this." Clare folded her hands together and pressed them to her lips. She paused. "I believe that prayer focuses our human thoughts and energies, sends them to the people we're praying for. I believe that helps, in ways we can't yet understand." Harlene looked surprised. She had probably expected a quick yes. Followed by an exhortation to the Almighty to keep everyone safe. "I believe that God hears our prayers, and cherishes them. I believe He answers by sending us His spirit, giving us strength, and peace, and insight. I don't think He responds by turning away bullets and curing cancer. Though sometimes that does happen." Harlene frowned. "In other words, sometimes, the answer is no?" "No. Sometimes the answer is `This is life, in all its variety. Make your way through it with grace, and never forget that I love you.'" Harlene creaked back in her wheeled dispatcher's chair. "You're not one of those strict fundamentalist preachers, are you?" Clare laughed.
Copyright © 2003 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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