The progression of the seven footsteps and seven prayers asserts a format of change: 
from hopelessness, trauma and grief, to being worthy of love; 
and as we find it within, we begin sharing the inner journey of freedom with others.

Inside Rise to the Sun:  

Norman Rockwell (1894–1978). Freedom of Worship, 1943. Illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 27, 1943. Norman Rockwell Museum Collection, Norman Rockwell Art Collection Trust, NRACT.1973.023. Artwork Courtesy of the Norman Rockwell Family Agency.

Freedom of Worship shows four women and four men, each praying in his or her own way; some with eyes open, some with eyes closed. Multi-faith people of different races are represented. Norman Rockwell’s series of four oil paintings — Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear are in the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. 

Prayer is for everyone.

Prayers inspire and lift our spirits when we are down, and they give us something to do, they guide us actively toward seeing what needs to be released, surrendered, completed, forgiven, and cherished. They also bring us into the heart. 

By discovering something new about prayers, an element of life, the ability to see into the heart, is restored. 

Prayers assist in finding balance every step of the way. They restore imagination and hope, especially when we feel lost or downtrodden. They help us remain vulnerable and open. 

Prayers are a living attitude. They are more than an entreaty, a wish to be fulfilled. Through my own wandering, I have discovered that prayers are journeys unto themselves, a way to pause, a desire to find ways of doing life.