My friend Sue shared that her husband Hal spotted a porcupine in a tree along Cherry Creek Trail in Colorado. Having spotted one, they kept staring up in the trees and spotted a second one. She was thrilled as she thought of these words from the Mary Oliver poem “Sometimes”:
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

Her message makes me smile when I think about the porcupine staring down on them! Sue’s delight came from paying attention. To pay attention means to “to be attentive to, become aware of, or be responsive to (someone or something).” We need to slow down to discover something we don’t initially see on the surface.

For the past year, our regular routines of life have been upended, causing us to pay attention to regular things in new ways. Having to put on a mask every day, I appreciate the smiles of my daughters’ faces even more. I walked the trails at Boyce Mayview Park this winter to re-discover the pine tree grove, where I used to go as a young girl, still standing. Most of the year the pines are hidden by the green foliage of other trees. Spending more time on the phone has given me a new appreciation for the familiar voice at the other end. These discoveries flow to my simple prayers.

Yesterday, I thanked God for these things:
The brilliant blue sky as I walked along the sidewalk coming into church.
A gift from someone sending me a tip on where to sign up for vaccines.
Beautiful organ music coming from Galbreath Chapel.
A friendly hello from someone who stopped by my office.

Short simple prayers help us to pay attention to the blessings, as well as the needs, around us especially during Lent. As I come across names of the congregation during the day, I say a prayer for them in the moment. Sometimes, I know their need for healing or strength and offer a simple prayer. Occasionally, I ask God to be present to them in bringing strength, encouragement, or what is necessary at that time in their life. I pray for the things that break my heart too, tragic situations on the news and in the lives of people where we all struggle. This has been a tough time for all of us.

As a pastor, I lead the longer Prayer of the People on Sunday morning. This prayer is a composite of broad petitions for our community, neighbors around the world, God’s healing Spirit, and heartfelt thanks. During my day to day living, my prayers are simple, quick, and specific to people and occasions. God receives them all.

The most important part of prayer is to just pray. Say what is on your heart or in your mind to God. Bring your joys, concerns, worries, and lift up the names of people to God without being obsessed about saying right words or addressing God properly. Then listen, pay attention to the Spirit’s moving in your life. Ultimately, your prayers allow you to pay attention to the Lord God, who knows us completely and loves us lavishly.

“In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice; in the morning I will present my prayer to you and be on the watch.”
– Psalm 5:3

Together on the journey,

Louise