Praying

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“Pray then in this way:
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 do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:7-15

Praying

The sun rises and we are thankful
we have been given signs and wonders
eagles rising on the winds and calling
all of us to pray.

The road is dusty and our feet weary
we see no end to our journey
our load is too heavy for this time
and we bring ourselves to pray.

The heat of the afternoon sun burns
we find shelter in the tall spruces
find shade among mountain shadows
praying in gratitude of it all.

The still of the night as wind sings
we lie on our beds and remember
all the faces of love we encounter
speaking prayerful words of thanks.

We might find ourselves hurting
angry as the greedy world harms innocents
our Creator gives us words of forgiveness
and we pray we can live humbly within.

In every time and place we dance
and pray thanksgiving, forgiveness
may our lives be dedicated to service
and our hearts always be in prayer.