Prayer Vigils
Several people have commented today that they have never done a prayer vigil. Well, boy have you missed out. Not only is it a wonderful thing to do for someone you love, or someone who is in need of powerful healing prayers, it is one of the most wonderful things you can do for yourself.
There is nothing quite like the honor of participating in this and being swept up in the emotion and positive energy of this meaningful process. Two times I have seen prayer vigils first hand and participated once. This is not counting the ones we have done from our own home.
But when many are joined together it has a different effect, a different energy. It seems to take on a life of its own.
The first one I was on site for and participated in was at the Village several years ago. It was for healing for someone who had been diagnosed with cancer. People signed up for two hour sessions spent seated in prayer or meditation in a corner of the sanctuary, even during church services. When no service was going on, I noticed several sat up front near the large crystal in the center of the floor. When your two hours was up someone was there to take your place.
The second was and is a spectacular vigil that is held at the monastery, Figueria, in Brazil. I can’t remember exactly how it was housed, but I do remember that it was a large ‘building’ on top of a hill, and it seems it was made from bamboo with a thatch roof. I can remember how it felt but not the details of how it was made. You never forget the sound of the wind blowing through bamboo.
This prayer vigil has been going on for several years. Every two hours one volunteer group replaces another. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. It is large enough for a quite a few people, as groups come from all over the world to the monastery and all participate. But often, I am sure there are just one or two. No one would want to miss this experience. If you ever get to Figueria, be sure to volunteer. If buildings can have an aura, I am sure this one does.
