Praying
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
Mary Oliver
First, thank you so much for this time we’ve shared. In only four months, I’ve grown to love THCC. It has truly been sacred, and I am forever appreciative of the ways I have witnessed the Divine in you. Your hospitality, generosity, kindness and faithfulness are wonderful expressions of “God-Among-Us.” Thank you particularly to Rob, Juliana and Dorothy who guided me on the day-to-day. Cheryl and Carter who have created and maintained wonderful foundations. Patrice Murphy who followed her heart and, alongside the Unified Board, brought me here. To every Bible Study participant, Book Group member, Sunday Morning attendee, and on and on. What a wild and wonderful time we’ve had!
As this part of our journey together ends, I want to ask a favor and make a promise in return.
The favor is: will you pray for me?
The promise is: I will pray for you.
I guess the best part about this request and this promise is that, like the grace and love of God, the praying will happen despite us. As Mary Oliver’s poem proclaims, “In a vacant lot or while admiring an iris.” I would add, “When I am in the midst of a fantastic Bible study or book, when I watch Little House on the Prairie, when I attend a folk or jazz concert, read a Henri Nouwen or Richard Rohr quote, or anytime I park on the side of the road with my car precariously perched at an impossible side angle….I will think of THCC and a prayer will happen.
So perhaps I’ll amend my request. Let’s all pay attention. Let’s pay attention to those accidental and inadvertent prayers. Then, let’s string together some random thoughts of gratitude.
In my experience, when I do this, the most perfect parts of our time together rise to the top and I experience God in new ways.
So, I promise to pay attention. Will you?
With gratitude,
Mark