When You Pray

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:1-13

When You Pray

Early in the morning as the universe awakes
I silently pray to the Creator of all life
that this day might be filled with kindness
that I may walk with care and compassion.

As I pray at the days end and sun's setting
I am thankful for all the blessings of life
for children's laughter and elders's wisdom
for enough food and a table to share.

I dream that I am praying healing and blessing
those who have walked on are praying with me
they are singing ancient and new songs
smiling on us confused and anxious children.

I wake again to know that holy blessing
only the Creator has made the world new again'
has renewed me with tender sacred rest
the world gives gratitude with bird song.