Praying

by Mary Oliver

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.

Practice and Reflection:

Were you able to pay attention this week to a particular plant or animal or ecosystem near you? If not, maybe you can do this today. What have you noticed about its response to the lengthening darkness and colder days? What story do you sense it telling us? Is there a question or lesson in there for you? Perhaps it simply is.