Thanksgiving Prayer

I was part of something pretty cool this morning.

I arrived at work a little more on time than I've managed lately, as evidenced by the fact that when one of the 6th grade teachers entered my room to invite my team teacher outside, apparently as usual, I felt completely out of the loop.  However, the invitation was quickly extended to include me as well, and the group filled me in on the plan.

Apparently, each Monday, a few teachers in my building gather at the flagpole to join in a prayer to start the week.  Being, as I am, a pretty strong believer in the power of prayer, and feeling - as I generally do - as though I could benefit from any and all possible sources of additional energy, I eagerly joined the group.

Knowing this particular group of teacher was multi-denominational, I didn't know what to expect.  But coming from my Latter Day Saint background, I had anticipated the group all bowing heads to join in the words offered by one selected participant.  I thought it was great that the sixth grade teacher was joined in or small circle by her two children who attend the school.  I thought it was also great that she invited her 4th grade son to offer the prayer.  I folded my arms and bowed my head, the traditions to which I am accustomed, and listened to his words of gratitude.  I figured at the conclusion of his prayer, we would be done.

But as he finished, his sister took over, offering her own prayer.  Her prayer was followed by that of her mother's.  Then my son's 3rd grade teacher took a turn, praying in a slightly less formal but equally earnest manner.

I was a bit nervous, knowing it was my turn.  Would there be anything left to say that the other's hadn't said?  Would they find the formal way in which I address my Heavenly Father to be strange?  Thankfully, the Holy Ghost quickly reminded me that this wasn't a chance for me to show of my prayer skills.  Rather, it was a chance to follow the example of the faithful women who had gone before me, and to take a moment to talk to Heavenly Father before beginning this school week.  I didn't need to add to their prayers.  I didn't need to try to do anything.  I just needed to pray.

So I prayed.  And then my team teacher prayed.  And then we all walked back into the school, ready to face this holiday week.

And speaking of that upcoming holiday, today I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from the example of others, to live in a country where people are free to worship as they choose, and to know that through prayer, I can communicate directly with my Father in Heaven.

I am truly blessed.