Abandoned

Abandoned (Part One - Chapter 8)

CHAPTER 8: The Lifeboat ...... (Your review here)

During the night a violent storm swept over the monastery and while Nick took shelter with the other monks, four wet days had passed before the sun reappeared. After that, it took another three days before things dried sufficiently so that a morning walk was even possible. With that day having arrived, the jungle trail that Nick and Suryavarman walked down seemed to sparkle in every direction—tiny drops of water reflecting the morning sun. Birds flew everywhere. Their chirping like music. Other monks followed behind them. Everyone was softly praying. Stopping, Suryavarman turned to Nick.

"Nickolas, it is good to hear you praying so sweetly."

"Thank you very much." Nick reached out and took Surya's hand.

"Father Mikalson also prayed with me. I remember his prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. It is a very good prayer."

"Yes, that is the same prayer I am saying now. I also want to thank Rama for teaching me the prayer that you chant on your beads. I think I know it: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare • Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare."

Standing next to Nick, Rama smiled.

"Yes, very good, Nickolas! We are also asking for God's mercy."

Nickolas smiled. "It took me a while to memorize it and I'm repeating it more often every day. It's interesting that even though the words are completely foreign to me, in some uncanny way they seem as if they were designed to be said. So I'm enjoying your prayer very much."

"Nickolas, either prayer is good. And their are others. Father Mikalson and I spent many hours praying together and talking about prayer. Sometimes I would utter his prayer and sometimes he would say mine."

"I wish I could have met Father Mikalson. As we walk this morning, please tell me what you talked about. By the way, where is the Father now?"

"Sadly, Father Mikalson has passed away. He had returned to England and was writing a book when he suddenly took ill. It was such a sad day when I received word about him, but Father Mikalson would want me to be happy. He was like that. In our talks, Nickolas, you ARE meeting the Father and it is a great honor for me to tell you about him. Up ahead is a comfortable area where we can sit. See, right there.

"Over the years this is where we have had many conversations. I have told all these wonderful men about Father Mikalson and how our two religions share a sacred trust in the power of prayer. Having your good company these past weeks has been a great boon to me in my old age."

As Nick blushed, reaching over to a large leaf, Suryavarman shook a drop of water into his palm.

"Nickolas, see this drop of water? It contains so many life-giving properties. In order to live, we all need water. In many ways, prayer is like this tiny drop—full of what we need. Tell me again the words you are praying."

"Yes, gladly: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."

"Nickolas, as you repeat this prayer the most significant thing is that you are addressing the Lord's Holy Name. In discussing the Holy Name with Father Mikalson he would often speak about the endless treasures available in the name of Christ. He even showed me where this is written in the Bible: To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, was this grace given, so that I might make clear to the Gentiles the good news of the unending wealth of Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)

"The Father taught me that just as there are so many treasures inside this little drop of water, within the holy Name of God there is also an endless treasure.