Although I have never successfully learned a language beyond English, it is always language that first catches my ear, and therefore my interest, when I travel. My recent trip to Kauai included self-guided travel and the unique Hawaiian language surrounded us at every turn. Known for its beauty, gentleness and melodious nature, hearing it reminds you of the trade winds and swaying palm trees when spoken by those born on the island.
Early missionaries discovered no written language, so linguists created an alphabet. It has only 12 vowels and consonants, but the length of many words is intimidating when quick pronunciation is required. I found this to be especially true when reading a map, then verbalizing those directions to my husband as he drove. Read slowly, and Hawaiian names are fairly easy to pronounce. But quicken your pace and you might run into trouble, as I did. Case in point: a popular Hawaiian fish. It’s called the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Say THAT twice…and fast!
Workplace language is equally interesting to me and my husband’s 31 years with the Navy as a civilian biologist has introduced an interesting assortment of words. Of all the environmental and governmental language I have acquired over the years by talking with Matt about his career, I find acronyms the most fun.
As a way of shortcutting bulky Navy terminology, acronyms come in handy, although at first glance they seem intimidating. Acronyms roll off my husband’s tongue with ease and my ears are attuned to their meaning with fair accuracy these days.
They can also be a whole lot of fun. Matt likes to repeat long acronyms with speed and on occasion slip in a silly twist, just to see if I am actively listening. One evening NavOpDet became NavOpDetTrashCompact.
We Christians have our own language of sorts and to popularize it, we create acronyms as well. WWJD is perhaps the most readily recognizable. I see it printed on T-shirts, key chains, and plastic wrist bracelets. WWJD stands, of course, for “What Would Jesus Do?” It is a question I often ask myself as I encounter events during my day.
I’ve also discovered two others: PUSH means, “Pray Until Something Happens,” and NOTW, “Not of This World.” While all three acronyms are created to forward messages and challenges to grow our faith and geared primarily to youth, I’m partial to PUSH because God understands our prayers, no matter the languages we use, our ages, or the situations we find ourselves in.
Prayer is conversation with God. It can be a spontaneous outpouring from one’s heart and mind and take the form of words, art, music or dance. It can be tender or impassioned.
It can also be liturgical and conceived by someone else. Many of my favorite liturgical prayers were written long ago and their familiarity soothes me each time I read them. They commonly include language that reflects another era but continues to embrace the passion and depth of experiences to which I can relate. Liturgical prayers whispered long ago are frequently found in hymnals. Even the book of Psalms offers song-like prayers that are famous for their raw honesty. Liturgical prayers are most useful to people too scared or upset to think clearly. Opening to a familiar prayer or reciting the lines of a prayer memorized long ago can bring comfort and bind the hearts of people worldwide who know the same prayers you do.
Prayers can be said on your behalf or on behalf of someone else. They can include specific requests, intercessions, thanksgiving, praise and adoration. They can also include terror, fear, worry, heartbreak, anger and frustration.
Whatever language you choose, and however you choose to express yourself, your prayers are heard. They will unite hearts. Move mountains. Be heard in the most heavenly of places.
