Prayer

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city with an extraordinary range of people expressing themselves to God.  Traditionally, one would label this as prayer.  I would, except that I am not sure those observed or those I am writing to would recognize what I saw as the definition. 
As I came out of the one of the building with the best shops for computer components, I found myself wondering why a rusty backyard wood-scrap burning heater was strategically placed on the sidewalk.  As I looked across the busy street, nobody else was paying any attention to this monstrosity!  As I paused, an old well-dressed Chinese man walked up to the heater.  In his hands were a pack of Taoist papers.  As he lit a fire in the heater and proceeded to burn the papers a small bunch at a time, I realized I was watching someone in conversation with god.
The Krishnan Temple sits right next to a large group of vegetarian restaurants.  I enjoy the food, so it is only natural to get a fresh insight into Hindu puja (worship) and the prayer that always comes with the process.  I love the fact that the priests are always in a natural state of dress, usually minimally.  I revel in the colors, textures, and noise that come with the prayers and worship!  There is something extraordinarily encouraging in the public display of what is ultimately a very personal interaction with a deity.
Cathay's swimming pool on the ninth floor overlooks a traditional Christian church that has stood at the bottom of Orchard Road for decades.  Everything resonates of a predictable approach to God except for a weekly banner.  I find myself pausing to reflect on their call to God, dialogue, and community.  They are words every generation needs to hear with fresh openness.
When “God said, 'Kneel and pray.  You are in a holy place, on holy ground.  I've seen the agony of my people in Egypt.  I've heard their groans.  I've come to help them.'” (Acts 7.33)  It was an invitation we need to hear and feel.