Religion

Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I used to live, is known as a city of churches. There’s one on every corner. Banda Aceh, on the tip of Sumatra here in Indonesia, is a city of mosques. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many mosques in one place. Green domes, gold domes, silver domes, multi-colored domes, black domes. They are beautiful to look at and there’s something haunting about the call to prayer.

Our guide and driver, Yassir, is a Muslim. Today when we finally broke for lunch, we were just sitting down when he asked to be excused for “about 10 minutes.” It was time for prayer. That’s devotion.

Garuda Airlines, one of Indonesia’s airline companies, has an in-flight magazine. The current issue has two full pages, prominently displaced just before the maps in the back of the magazine, giving “Invocations” to all so we can pray before the flight takes off. These invocations are offered in a variety of languages, but I’ll just give you the English, exactly as printed in the Garuda magazine:

Islam:

We seek the help of Allah, the most Gracious, the Most Merciful… Who has bestowed upon us the will and ability to use this aircraft without Whom we are helpless. Verily, to God alone, we worship and to God alone we shall return. Oh Allah, shower us with Your blessings and protect us on this journey from any hardship or danger and protect also out family and our wealth.

Protestant:

Lord in heaven, we praise and thanks of thy bless and endless love in our live. In this opportunity, we call They holly nname to accompany our journey. We believe Thou will guard and protect our plane from any disturbance and danger. To the all air crew, Thou will lead their duty in order for us to arrive in destination in time and save. Thank you for Thy help and firm love from beginning, now, and forever, In the name of Yesu Christ, we pray, Amen.

Catholic:

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Long Ago You save the children of Israel who crossed the sea with dry feet. And three wise kings from the East received Your command with the guidance of a star. We beg You. Bless us with a safe trip, with good weather. Bless us with the guidance from your angels, so that the crew of this aircraft will lead us to our destination safely. We also hope that our family remain happy and peaceful until we land safely. Blessed be Your name, now and forever. Amen. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Hinduism:

Om Sanghyang Widhi Wasa the Greatest, all wealth and intelligence comes from your blessings. Keep our minds and manners pure and let us attain inner peace and happiness.

Buddhism:

Praise be to Sang Bhagavca, the Pure. One who has attained enlightment (3x)

Let All Creature live in happiness in accordeance to Your will. (Paritta Suci).

Confucian

In The Name of TIAN, The God Almighty. In The Highest Place. Under the guidance of our Prophet Kong Zi. Be Honor. SHANG DI, The Supreme God. Please be your guidance for all the airline crews. So they can perform their job accordingly. Please bless us all. So that we can arrive at our destination savely. And so to unite with our beloved family.