Friday Prayer Group

Band of Brothers.

Clarence Bray and I were close friends in college, roomed together our first year in law school and were in each other’s wedding.  A few years after Clarence moved to San Antonio, Clarence suggested we form a prayer group; he would recruit one person, I would recruit one.

 Not long thereafter, Clarence, Bob Scott, David Dillon and I started to meet in a children’s classroom, sitting in children’s desks (in hindsight, how appropriate), in Christ Episcopal Church. Not long thereafter, we moved to Bob Sohn’s apartment, where in time we were joined by John Younger, Bill Cody, Corky Sledge, Bob Sawtelle and Billy Galbreath. We have continued to meet almost every Friday since 1974.

 None of us knew what we were getting into. We never studied scripture nor were we distinguished by our praying. Belief in God and in prayer was foundational. We agreed that we would not argue about theology or scripture.

 We’ve been through career and job changes, divorces, loss, depression, death. And, of course, achievements, successes and adventure. Funny how you become a band of brothers without even knowing it is happening.

 When we first met, at least some of the wives had concerns we were gossiping about them. The wives came around, realizing they had no better champions than the other men in the prayer group.  After a while, when I would proclaim I was going to take some action, Elizabeth would say “Have you talked with your prayer group about that?”

 Our Friday group of ten has now dwindled to three who meet on Fridays and one in a memory care unit. Holes in our hearts, profound gratitude, priceless memories. We have learned faithfulness. We have experienced the goodness of God.