Practicing Prayer

Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 

Practicing Prayer

Light one single flame

against evil and shame

turn away from attention

and turn your heart to God.

In the small spare room

on a subway platform

in the grocery line

let us find God.

Let no one see your prayer

let no one hear your words

let God alone play melody

and harmonize with the Divine.

Light a single flame

and let it melt your heart

seek the holy moment spark

and let your life be praise.

Let your prayer be service

hands ready to calm and feed

heart ready to welcome 

stranger and divine  together.