Yesterday, I asked my eight-year-old daughter what she had
learned in Sunday school. She told me
they were learning, “how to pray.” I
almost laughed, but she said it so earnestly, I knew better. I think she meant they were learning the
ancient biblical Hebrew that makes up the prayers, but I was happy that she
hasn’t seen a need for everyday, informal prayer in her almost nine years.
Law students know how to pray this way. I am certain of this, not only because I
witness what seems to be prayer in the hallways or bathrooms here at the law
school, but more because I remember being a law student myself. I prayed: not to be called on; to be called on; for a
break in the contracts reading; for a spot in the civil trial practice
class. I prayed for good co-op jobs and
favorable evaluations after exams. I
prayed for snow (and/or blistering heat) on exam days. I prayed to pass the bar, and since there was
a blizzard during the Massachusetts bar the February I took it, I think I may have gotten some of the prayers mixed
up.
chant: please, please, please……
As exams are winding down here, I sense a great relief in
the building. The air is less thick with
anxiety and fewer students are muttering to themselves. I can sense that their prayers have turned
away from exams and maybe towards the generosity of the faculty members who are
grading those exams. Perhaps their
prayers are even moving into the holiday mode. I know mine have, so I pray that you all have a wonderful holiday
season. Please, please, please…(ezs).
