That's wonderful that a new Brother stepped forward like that! Prayers should be from the heart. I'm an ordained Druid priest and not Christian (though brought up Anglican, being Welsh) and we have Sikh, Jewish and Hindu Brothers in our Lodge, so I wrote non-denominational opening/closing prayers and Grace. This has been appreciated by our Lodge and others. Also, our Grand Lodge Charter in Nova Scotia was granted in the late 1700's by the Grand Lodge of Massachusettes and to this day, hundreds of years later, our GM and thier GM travel back and forth for Annual Communications.
Personally, I think the ritual is important. It's as much for the brothers present as it is for communication to our creator. We pray in lodge. Most important, to me at least, is the recognition of the many times unrecognized importance of the masonic Chaplin. I would encourage you to read Dr. Robert Elsner's book "On Being a Masonic Chaplain".
The role is of incredible importance and much like you said, often overlooked. This role is rarely taken seriously, and rarely enabled by the lodge or WM. Take a few hours and check out this book.
I once saw a Lodge competition won by answering the question, “How many times does the Chaplain ‘beseech’ the Supreme Architect of the Universe in the opening and closing prayers?”. The answer, as many times as he wants.
In our Jurisdiction, the Chaplain is given much leeway in crafting prayers. Through his words, men of God are given the opportunity to meet in peace and enjoy fellowship together. His words become their words, and must ring true to all in attendance.
Whether he is brief or verbose, his words must assist in uniting Brothers to form a Lodge. Brevity in routine prayers might be appropriate, but in memorials and other occasions, the prayer should provide sufficient opportunity for thoughts and feelings to linger.
It is an interesting quirk of Masonry that, in the middle of paragraphs of ritual that should be given letter-perfect, space is opened for ingenuity and thought. This allows the Chaplain to address a moment, purpose, or event relevant to the evening.
Generic (lacking specificity) prayers seem appropriate in a Masonic context. Words given by Chaplains over decades should be recited with pride. New prayers may be a delightful treat, but should be well thought out in advance.
That's wonderful that a new Brother stepped forward like that! Prayers should be from the heart. I'm an ordained Druid priest and not Christian (though brought up Anglican, being Welsh) and we have Sikh, Jewish and Hindu Brothers in our Lodge, so I wrote non-denominational opening/closing prayers and Grace. This has been appreciated by our Lodge and others. Also, our Grand Lodge Charter in Nova Scotia was granted in the late 1700's by the Grand Lodge of Massachusettes and to this day, hundreds of years later, our GM and thier GM travel back and forth for Annual Communications.
Personally, I think the ritual is important. It's as much for the brothers present as it is for communication to our creator. We pray in lodge. Most important, to me at least, is the recognition of the many times unrecognized importance of the masonic Chaplin. I would encourage you to read Dr. Robert Elsner's book "On Being a Masonic Chaplain".
The role is of incredible importance and much like you said, often overlooked. This role is rarely taken seriously, and rarely enabled by the lodge or WM. Take a few hours and check out this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Being-Masonic-Chaplain-Robert-Elsner/dp/B09TMYW7ZF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HDGTO9BITBPE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IO7GaiqZt-Y_zrRDpell5YJsc8waZkThYeErFJ-vPhc.KWFAcSEm3dXstSLyNo2LB6FHjoRg7pwZFKBexlmfylM&dib_tag=se&keywords=masonic+chaplain+robert+elsner&qid=1733757364&sprefix=masonic+chaplain+robert+elsner%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1
I once saw a Lodge competition won by answering the question, “How many times does the Chaplain ‘beseech’ the Supreme Architect of the Universe in the opening and closing prayers?”. The answer, as many times as he wants.
In our Jurisdiction, the Chaplain is given much leeway in crafting prayers. Through his words, men of God are given the opportunity to meet in peace and enjoy fellowship together. His words become their words, and must ring true to all in attendance.
Whether he is brief or verbose, his words must assist in uniting Brothers to form a Lodge. Brevity in routine prayers might be appropriate, but in memorials and other occasions, the prayer should provide sufficient opportunity for thoughts and feelings to linger.
It is an interesting quirk of Masonry that, in the middle of paragraphs of ritual that should be given letter-perfect, space is opened for ingenuity and thought. This allows the Chaplain to address a moment, purpose, or event relevant to the evening.
Generic (lacking specificity) prayers seem appropriate in a Masonic context. Words given by Chaplains over decades should be recited with pride. New prayers may be a delightful treat, but should be well thought out in advance.