Saturday, January 16, 2010

Muslim Holy Day in the Old City

It's Friday, the Muslim holy day, and I have joined the stream of worshippers entering the Damascus Gate for prayer at the "noble sanctuary." We share different destinations today but similar needs.

The devout Muslim prays five times a day, but on Friday, he seeks out the third holiest site in Islam for prayer. I can sense the desire for the Holy in the crowd. There is unbelievable energy and expectation.

I am told that Moses was first told that one must pray fifty times a day. When Moses laughed, the requirement was reduced to five times daily. I too breathe a sigh of relief.

In the West, we are hard pressed to pray once daily. Here in the Middle East, prayer is a pillar of faith and a profound longing for the Holy. Perhaps, we have much to learn from our friends in this place.

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