A Poem, A Proverb, A Painting, A Prayer: A Lenten Journey-- Day 27: Tuesday after the 4th Sunday in Lent

Today’s Theme: Walking on Water


Poem: I Do Not Walk On Water
I do not walk on water
Except in winter,
When ice makes the miracle more natural.
To me, these days, natural miracles are better,
Signifying lessons to live rather than shortcuts to take,
A more subtle yet more real magic.
For me, nature is already as supernatural
As it needs to be.
The simplest, humblest things —
Green moss on grey rock,
Spotted turtle basking in a shaft of sunlight —
They are true signs and wonders,
Holy, significant, wonderful.
I used to crave miracles to prove something
(most especially, myself, my faith, my tribe’s exceptionalism).
Now, instead of the miracle,
I try to keep my eyes open for the meaningful.
That these sounds in air or these marks on paper
Could bear my heart to yours,
Or bring what you see to my eyes … what
Could be more miracle?
---------------Brian McLaren (1956- ) American teacher, pastor, author, speaker, poet, and public theologian



Proverb:
“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.”
------------Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022), Vietnamese Buddhist monk, author, teacher, poet, and peace activist



Painting: Never Forsaken, by Abraham Hunter, 2015

    


Prayer: Across Turbulent Water
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,
we wait before You in reverence,
rejoicing in the power of your Spirit
as You have watched over our rest.

Shepherd of Our Souls,
You are the source of all blessing,
and we lift our grateful hearts to You,
singing out your lovingkindness.

You come to us across turbulent waters,
Beloved Savior,
and still the storms within and without
by the mercy of your healing presence.

We thank you, Lord Christ,
for the manifold gifts in our lives,
for the blessing of beloved friends,
for companions of our hearts,
who help us on our way
and reflect your love for us.

Accept our prayers and intercessions
for all the cares and concerns we carry in our hearts,
and send forth your angels to be the shield and comfort
of all who put their trust and hope in You.
Amen.
---------------Leslie Barnes Scoopmire