Our prayers as songs

Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz, March 8, 2009

Think of our prayers, as they mount toward heaven,

as the delighted singing of the robin or thrush,

or some other lovely bird, made almost mad

in a sudden rush of wind and rain and joy.

No more as mere human whining for ever something more,

nor even as entreaty for generous cause,

but as a simple living anthem

of those who sing and fly toward the One

who has cast our days like a magician’s spell

upon time’s golden chronicle and the Earth’s

green and mystic landscape.

Our song, then, our prayer,

no more a sad and monotone lament:

there must be something more of joy in it

if we are truly to be alive, and glorify

our Maker, as is our cause to do.

So as spring arrives at last, listen to the birds,

for they are trying to teach us a new song,

a simpler and more direct anthem of life.

Listen to the children, too, who still hear in their ears

the original thunder of that great Creation

which called us into being, and blessed us from the first.

Listen, and remember, when your turn comes to sing,

that your prayers are songs-- mere senseless chirping

to unadorned hearts and dead imaginations, perhaps;

but holy hymnody, deep and profound anthems,

in the ears of children and gods and other

wild fledglings of thunder and wind

who know better than us, perhaps,

how to answer the Spirit’s call.

jbs

4/23/02           3/8/09

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