For years I thought this interesting creature was referred to as a “preying” mantis.  Of course I always knew s/he resembled that of someone who is bent at an angle with their hands folded, suggesting a supplicant position of prayer.  According to National Geographic, its scientific name is Mantis religiosa.  It is an invertebrate and has a carnivorous diet, hence my false assumption all these years.  They are formidable predators and are typically green or brown.  The mantis lie camouflaged, patiently waiting for their quarry.  Their triangular heads can turn 180 degrees to scan their surroundings.  Incredibly, they have 3-D vision and are equipped with the formidable agility of cats.  Early civilizations, including Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt, considered them to have supernatural powers.  I have always considered seeing them as a sign of good luck.  To me, they are both a living, visual representation of prayer as well as a reminder to pray.  Prayer is for all people, it costs nothing, and I believe it benefits all believers.  I love this quote from the great Mahatma Gandhi which says, “Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening”; so succinct and yet so apt.  Wherever you are and whatever you believe, I say, “Let us pray.”