Christian Prayer

Brother John Dat, a monk vowed to the Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico, is a spiritual son to Lisa and me. He grew up in Vietnam outside of Saigon. His father and some of his brothers and sisters were killed by North Vietnamese soldiers because they were Christians.

He entered a monastery in Vietnam and came to Christ in the Desert in November 2006. There he made a lifetime vow to prayer in that monastery. Even though we're not Catholic, he claimed Lisa as his "American Mother" and I happily came along with the deal as a father. We looked forward to his smile and cheerful greeting whenever we visited. We love him and he loved us back as a son.

John Dat went to heaven suddenly and unexpectedly last month at the age of 38. We must accept the time and the day of death whenever it comes. This young monk suffered much, loved much and devoted his life to prayer. He is a constant inspiration and example of life in Christ.

Tags: Christian Prayer, Spiritual Living, Christian Community