By Dr. Barry Fike

The famous “Praying Hands” picture was created by Albrecht Durer, the son of a Hungarian goldsmith. He was born in Germany in 1471 and died in 1528. As is the case with nearly all men of genius, fact and fiction become interwoven and created the legend of the artist as we know him today.
It is said, that while studying art, Albert, as he was called, and a friend roomed together. However, the meager income they earned on the side as they studied did not prove to be enough to meet their needs for rent, food, clothing, and other living expenses. Albert suggested that he would go to work to earn the necessary income for both of them while his friend pursued and finished his art studies. When finished, the friend would then go to work to provide support while Durer would finish his studies. The friend was pleased and happy with the plan, except that he insisted that he be the first to work and that Albert continue his studies.
This plan was followed and in time Albert Durer became a skilled artist and engraver. Returning to his room one day, Albert announced that he was not ready to assume the burden of support, while his friend studied art. But, as a result of his hard labor, his friend’s hands were so swollen that he was no longer able to hold and use the paintbrush with skill. His career as an artist was ended.
Albert was deeply saddened by this disappointment which his friend had suffered. One day when he returned to their room, he heard his friend praying and saw his hands held in a reverent attitude of prayer. At this moment, Albert received the inspiration to create the picture of those wonderful “praying hands”. His friend’s lost skill could never be restored but in and through this picture, Durer felt that he would express his love and appreciation for the self-sacrificing labor which his friend had performed for him. Durer also had another thought that such a picture could inspire a like appreciation on the part of others who may also be willing to sacrifice and give on the behalf of someone else.
The story is now legend. I cannot verify if this is factual or not, but it is a good story. Self-sacrificing is a brand of love that is not too often seen in our too-busy world. Yes, in the act of sacrificial love we have identity as being part of the body of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Church. Humble giving and prayer are keys to open Heaven’s door for others.
As Helen Keller once said: I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty and joy to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble…for the world is moved along, not only by the mighty shaves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker!

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 NKJ