Dear Reader:

Today when we talk about a ” conversation piece” we can be referring to anything from a strange sculpture or crazy abstract painting to bizarre architecture or even just a wild centerpiece on a table.

Originally a ” conversation piece” referred to a group portrait in a domestic or landscape setting depicting persons chatting or otherwise socializing with each other. (The title painting is an example of such an art form created by William Hogarth in 1730- it became a popular art form in 18th century England.)

Think about it… everyday is a prayer because every day we converse. Sometimes (unconsciously) we pray when we are hurt, upset, angry, disappointed, relieved, grateful, when we laugh, cry, at play or work. Moments of time contains billions of conversational prayers within each breath.

Sarah Ban Breathnach ( Simple Abundance) believes ” in its purest form, prayer is conversation… authentic conversation because you don’t have to hold back.”

Have you ever ” spilled your guts” to a friend or cohort and immediately regretted it? Suddenly there is an awkward silence followed by a stare that leaves you thinking you have grown three horns on your head?

But prayer is different… you can say whatever needs to be said without fear of ridicule, judgment, losing love, or being misunderstood. Whew! The nice thing is God knows what our needs are even before we utter the first syllable. So then why lift up our voice in prayer?

It’s not as effective to be silent and just think prayers because we need to get ” real life off our chest.” We can’t do that when our thoughts ( mental prayers) get stuck… they are the ” whirling, topsy-turvey” mental tornadoes that produce those 2 am wide-eyed sleepless nights. We need to talk to Someone Who’s Really Listening.

So until tomorrow… ” In the beginning was the Word . And the Word was with God. And the Word was God.” Might I have a Word?

Today is my favorite day -Winnie the Pooh