Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Servant hands

By Pastor William Jenkins

September 26, 2007

In the late fifteenth century, Albert Durer and his friend Franz Knigstein were studying to be artists. They were almost destitute. Their art studies suffered because they had to spend so much time working, trying to eke out a living. They decided to draw lots to see who would work full time and who would study art full time. The result was that Albrecht would study art and Franz would work to support them. When Albrecht completed his studies and was successful they would switch places, Albrecht would work and Franz would study art.

Albrecht completed his studies and eventually his work was acclaimed. He then returned to his friend to change places with him. But when he arrived he discovered what a great sacrifice Franz had made for him. Franz had worked so hard at arduous manual labor that his hands had become permanently crippled. It was not possible for him to ever become an artist, but there was no bitterness or resentment in his heart. His happiness was the joy he had in Albrecht’s successful career as an artist.

One day Albrecht saw Franz kneeling, his rough and gnarled hands folded in silent prayer. Albrecht began to sketch the rugged hands of his friend. Out of that preliminary drawing came what is perhaps Albrecht’s most famous painting, simply but movingly titled “Praying Hands.” We salute Franz Knigstein whose servant hands made possible the artistry of Albrecht Durer and the “Praying Hands.”

When you fold your hands in prayer remember to thank God for all those who have been instrumental in helping you along the way.

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org