The Prie Dieu (prayer desk)

The Prie Dieu (prayer desk)

The Prie Dieu (prayer desk)

I love to work with wood! It is not only cathartic, it is indeed renewing, restoring and allows me to reclaim the joy of recreating!

So, it is, each summer I intentionally “find” a project. This time around it feels like this project “found” me. It was “buried” in the basement of the church – Saint Mary the Virgin in Chappaqua, NY (church basements are fascinating places, filled with hidden gems and valuable history!)

Sometimes it takes, digging deeper to discover the wonder of yesteryear!

I found a Prie Dieu (prayer desk) given “to the glory of God and in memory of a certain Alice Lyon.”

The Prie Dieu, was encrusted with layers of dust, in pieces and at first glance looked like another piece of junk.

I set up shop, in the basement, slowly and carefully putting it all together….a challenge in itself, simply because there were no screws, nails or any other evidence of how it was constructed…..except by tight joints and a craftsmanship of the highest standard.

A high-quality glue and special clamps were used, painstakingly accomplishing the original construction.

A deliberate decision was made not to sand or varnish it. It was meticulously wiped down and one coating of special oil completed the work….see pictures below!

Too much detail you may say. The truth be told; there is much more detail.

Renewing hope, restoring grace and reclaiming joy, rooted in the gift of prayer, takes time, patience and resting in the opportunities that arise from challenges.

My Mother taught me how to pray, through her persistent example, her gentle soulful heart and perseverance amidst the most challenging of times. When I am at a loss, or find it hard to pray, I catch myself praying those simple, yet powerful prayers Mum taught me.

As we live into these summer days, it is my very sincere prayer that each of us would embrace, hope, grace and joy.

Jesus represents the archetypal example of prayer. As we follow the Christ, with fever and purpose, may we in our day, truly be agents of renewing hope, restoring grace and reclaiming joy!

Alan G. Dennis