Lent is a Way of Praying

Lent is a way of praying
at first without words
with breath drawn
with breath released

Lent is a way of praying
in the quiet stained-glass light
in the confines of the driver’s seat
as one step is taken and then another

Lent is a way of praying
with eyes tightly shut
with attention on inside
with attention on above

Lent is a way of praying
with eyes open wide
to see what needs attention
to see God’s intentions

Lent is a way of praying
with words carefully chosen
with words haphazard and jumbled
with sighs too deep for words

Lent is a way of praying
for the world
with the world
in spite of the world

Lent is a way of praying
for you and all of yours
for me and all of mine
for us and all of ours

Lent is a way of praying
a little prayer here
a little prayer there
until all, everywhere, is prayer.