Learning to Pray

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:7-15

When to pray, we ask?
when the night closes in
when the rain begins
when milk dries up
and when light fails
when sorrow grips the throat
and tears well in the eyes.

We ask and you remind us
simple and humble loving
and gentle the words and
our hearts for God knows
before we can even ask.

The drops of rain like prayers
dance on the water pattering as song
lifting to God's heart while
disappearing in the pools
gray and moving refreshing
mother and child together.

We plunge into the water
received as a child primordial
and primitive we ask to float
to be held to survive and we
are asked to do likewise when
on solid ground again.

With breath exhale and inhale
I need your help today
be my shield across my heart
and the helmet on my head
so that I do not forget ever
that I am lost without you.