Dance Party Lesson Three: Tribal Dancing

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 Posted by Katie

A break for dancing can result in a lifted mood and renewed energy. A couple’s dance can result in two friends becoming something even more precious. But a group dance, a tribal dance of sorts, can unify a people, solidify a heritage, and provide the means to which many different people can share a single focus. And that is why, in the dance of faith, we pray together as a family.

In the Pickard family, every night before dinner, we say a certain prayer. It is more than mere tradition. We share our faith…across the generations, across the miles, across the table. Our prayer is as follows:

Bless, Oh Lord, this food to our use and give us thankful hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anyone who has ever participated in this prayer with my son at the table can attest to how much Noah loves this nightly practice. More than that, Noah has a few “rules”.

1) Everyone must hold hands, even if the table is not full, necessitating one to stand up and lean waaaay over the table to grab the hand of the person(s) to their right and to their left.
2) If someone arrives to the table late, the prayer must be repeated. By everyone. Out loud. Holding hands.
3) Noah always asks that God give us “Thank-You” hearts. He does not waver from this one editorial change. Ever.
4) The “AMEN” must be said with gusto.

And what wisdoms does our little tribe glean from this nightly dance?

1) Regardless of inconvenience, embrace your community of faith.
2) On the journey of faith, no one is ever too late. Everyone’s arrival must be celebrated with another round of thanksgiving.
3) We must be ever vigilant when it comes to the promise of Ezekiel 36:26 (“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your stubborn hearts and give you obedient hearts.”)
4) Mean it. Every time.