More than the Slightest Ways

Words and thoughts
may be only
the slightest ways
to pray.

What about
our life witness,
seeing God in
others or ourselves,
observing the
beauty and goodness
surrounding us,
and breathing it in
with awareness,
acceptance
and affirmation?

What about the
diligent work we do,
with helping hands,
and devoted time,
to the benefit of another?

What about
being creative,
expressing that life force,
that pulses through us
and meaningfully overflows?

What about
being mindful,
of the snow on the branch,
of the perky goldfinch
on the faded sunflower,
or the gurgling brook,
as it sluices over
a jagged heap of rocks?

What about the
calm quietude
of orderliness,
of contemplation,
of sequencing a project,
of preparing delicious food,
of cheerfully done chores,
or nurturing the downcast,
encouraging the stranger,
or caring for the sick?

What about the
joy of friendship
that seasons your days,
or embracing family
as benevolent bedrock–
sisters and daughters,
sweethearts, and parents?

What about
receiving, drinking in,
and assimilating blessings–
not just letting them
slide off you,
like a non-stick pan–
but instead,
deeply soak in
and permeate
your being?

What about
maintaining peace,
standing up for justice,
emphatically demanding
fairness and equality,
overcoming prejudice,
insisting on integrity,
ethical inclusion,
and equitable
and pervasive
rule of moral law?

How about the
heartfelt apology
coupled with
earnest reformation,
the lustrous light bulb
of life-long learning,
or the cascading benefits
of consciously good habits?

How about the
exchange of delight,
the shared jubilation
of unmitigated triumph,
or the glee and gratification
of a job well done?

Gratitude,
thankfulness,
silent listening,
trustworthiness,
honorable incorruptibility,
and patient waiting,
all these are prayer too,
and much more radiant
than any brilliant
and fervent
verbalization
can ever be.

by Polly Castor
1/26/26