Folk Dance: A Prayer
Father in Heaven, some people wonder why we should open a square dance with a prayer. But that doesn’t surprise you, does it? A long time ago, King David danced before you on the mountain tops, and Jesus told of the children dancing through the streets of Jerusalem.
Perhaps, Lord, you even danced now and then yourself.... When you have made a new star or painted a perfect sunset, when a brand new baby takes his first breath or an old person comes home to You at last.
Thank you, Lord, for hands and feet and music. Thank you for laughter and friends, for swirling skirts and scuffling feet.
Come dance with us, Lord. Help us unwind. Teach us to rejoice in everything that is good. Help us love each one whose hand we touch tonight.
Come dance with us, Lord—among us and with us.
I was impressed by the simplicity of faith and joy evident in this Appalachian prayer. As often as they could, the Appalachians gathered together, men and women and children, to square dance. Reading the essay on square dancing in Foxfire 12, one learns it was for them not only a pastime, a cultural art, or socializing; it was the worship of Jehovah.
“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.” Psalm 148:1-5.
Friday, August 20, 2010