“Pray without ceasing”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Let’s pray…” How many times have you heard someone say, “Let’s pray…”? Perhaps you think of the times at Mass when the Priest calls the congregation together to unite by saying, “Let us pray”. Perhaps you think of the times while having coffee or dinner with a friend where you were sharing struggles and blessings and then your friend turned to you and said, “Let’s pray…”. Or perhaps you think of the times when saying grace before a meal, and then heard one inviting all present, “Let’s pray…”. Or perhaps you think of the times you have been at the bedside of one who is sick or dying when someone said, “Let’s pray…”. Perhaps you have never heard, “Let’s pray…” or if you did, felt uncomfortable.
Let’s pray…
Why Clouds?
Why do clouds draw us to pray? Why did I choose a cloud as the “Let’s pray…” logo for the Etsy Shop, LetsPrayByKarenmarie? First, they are beautiful, true, and good. They are lovely to look at. Additionally, I have heard it said that the Bible contains at least 107-137 references to the word cloud, depending on the Bible translation you use. Clouds are mentioned in the story of the rainbow with Noah, “When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds.” Genesis 9:14; the clouds in the story of Exodus, “The Lord preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light. Thus, they could travel both day and night.” Exodus 13:21 ; and the voice of God saying He is well pleased with His Son, Jesus at the Transfiguration, “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5. These cloud references give clear direction of God’s presence and clear direction of a future sign that God’s return will be on a cloud of glory, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27. Clouds, also, refer to the Holy Saints as, “A Cloud of Witnesses,” “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Hebrews 12:1. God uses clouds to speak to us!
