REFLECTIONS

The Praying Hands

The “Praying Hands” are much, much more
Than just a work of art.
They are the soul’s creation
Of a deeply thankful heart.
They are a priceless masterpiece
That love alone could paint,
And they reveal the selflessness

F rom childhood Albrecht Dürer (German artist,

1471–1528) wanted to paint. Finally, he left
home to study with a great artist. He met a friend
Of an unheralded saint.
These hands so scarred and toilworn
Tell the story of a man
who also had this same desire and the two became Who sacrificed his talent
roommates. Both being poor, they found it diffi- In accordance with God’s plan.
cult to make a living and study at the same time.
Albrecht’s friend offered to work while Albrecht For in God’s plan are many things
studied. Then when the paintings began to sell, he Man cannot understand,
would have his chance. After much persuasion, But we must trust God’s judgement
Albrecht agreed and worked faithfully at his art And be guided by His Hand.
while his friend toiled long hours to make a living for both of them. Sometimes He asks us to give up
The day came when Albrecht sold a woodcarving and his friend went Our dreams of happiness,
back to his paints, only to find that the hard work had stiffened and twisted Sometimes we must forego our hopes
his fingers and he could no longer paint with skill. When Albrecht learned Of fortune and success.
what had happened to his friend, he was filled with great sorrow. One day Not all of us can triumph
returning home unexpectedly he heard the voice of his friend and saw the Or rise to heights of fame,
gnarled, toilworn hands folded in prayer before him. And many times what might be ours
“I can show the world my appreciation by painting his hands as Goes to another name.
I see them now, folded in prayer.” It was this thought that inspired
But he who makes a sacrifice,
Albrecht Dürer when he realized that he could never give back to his
So another may succeed
friend the skill which had left his hands.
Is indeed a true disciple
Dürer’s gratitude was captured in his inspired painting that has
Of our blessed Saviour’s creed.
become world famous. And we are blessed by both the beauty of the
For when we give ourselves away
painting and the beautiful story of gratitude and brotherhood.
In sacrifice and love,
We are laying up rich treasures
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew
In God’s Kingdom Up Above.
23:11 KJV).
And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands
Is the truest art of living,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the
Achieved alone by those who’ve learned
ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much
The victory of giving.
fruit” (John 12:24 KJV).
◆ For any sacrifice on earth
Made in the dear Lord’s name
The best gifts are tied with heartstrings. Assures the giver of a place
◆ In Heaven’s Hall of Fame.
And who can say with certainty
We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving. Where the greatest talent lies,
◆ Or who will be the greatest
In our Heavenly Father’s eyes!
Sympathy sees, and says, “I am sorry.” — Helen Steiner Rice
Compassion feels, and whispers, “I will help.”

R18
Reflections © 1993 The Family
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R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith