Someone told me that other day that I had a "Thomas Aquinas" kind of faith. Not really sure what they meant, I asked them. This person happened to be a worship leader at several events that I go to on campus, so they have seen me in a few different settings. His response was, "I've seen the way you worship and how are you like when people pray and stuff." I knew what he was referring to when he said how I am when people pray.
You see, I pray with my eyes open. Especially in group and public settings, when others are praying, I keep my eyes open. I do this so that I can know what is being said. Being hearing impaired, I wear a hearing aid to help me hear but I still rely very heavily on my eyes and lip-reading to know what is being said. So, I choose to open my eyes during prayers. A lot of people will get caught up in tradition and formalities and say it is not proper that I keep my opens and that God knows what is being said even if I don't. Well, to me, prayers are more meaningful if I know what is being said and I am also able to reflect on them. And I don't think God cares how I pray either as long as I am sincere and communicating. To me, prayer is more about the heart behind the action and not the action itself.
Plus, not to mention how funny it is when I see kids who catch me with my eyes open during the prayer! At first, they seemed shocked that an older person would have their eyes open and then they seem to realize they have been caught with their eyes open. Kids are so funny! Sometimes I have to work hard not to laugh during the prayer, but if I did, I know God appreciate laughter too.
