A Prayer Circle That Went to The Dogs
Monday Ministerial Musings
By Rev. Mark William Ennis
2024 Blog #43
October 21, 2024
A Prayer Circle That Went to The Dogs
“This has gone to the dogs,” is an expression that I have heard my entire life. I learned that this was a negative expression, but I never knew the origin of it. From what I read on Google; this expression comes from ancient China where dogs were not allowed within the city gates. Dogs roaming around inside the city was seen as being negative.
For me, the expression ought to be a positive one. Some of the happiest houses that I have visited were houses where dogs lived. Kids who learned to care for animals often grew up to be good caregivers of younger siblings and older family members. In short, having a dog helped children to learn responsibility.
Dogs make great security guards and play friends to children. Running with a dog probably was better for a child than sitting for hours in front of a television or an i-pad. A place that has “gone to the dogs” is usually a fun and happy place.
Recently I had a new experience. I had a prayer circle in the home of a congregation member and a dog joined us. The prayer circle went to the dogs, literally. In the past, I have certainly held blessing services for animals. These animals have included dogs, cats, hamsters and even a rabbit. The rabbit happened to die a few weeks later, but that is another blog for another day. I haven’t in my memory, ever had a dog join a prayer circle for a recovering parishioner. Last week, this all changed.
A woman from church was recovering from surgery and I went to visit her. Her son from out of state was staying with her during her early recovery and he brought his dog, Millie. Millie was quite the greeter and gave me a warm welcome, as only dogs can do.
I visited a while, and I sensed that the woman had grown tired, and it was time for me to leave. As is my custom, I say a prayer with those I visit and include anyone who happens to be in the room. I call it, “my prayer circle” and I hold it as a rather sacred moment. During this particular visit, Millie refused to be excluded from the circle. It seemed to me that the woman and her son were unsure of how I would react to having a friendly dog as part of the circle. This was fine with me. Dogs are part of the family. Why should they be excluded from prayer.
And so it was that I had a prayer circle that went to the dogs, and I couldn’t be happier. The lady and her son seemed pleased that the “grand dog” Millie was included. Pets are often part of our lives, well-being, and healing. Why would we not let our prayer time go to the dogs?