A Mother's Midnight Meditation

A few nights ago as I was in bed, I discovered my hands folded together in prayer, 

without thinking about it, as I would turn my anxious heart to the Lord.

"I live my prayers to You," my heart whispered,

and just like that, I felt like a poem was being inspired. I got up and typed this poem before going back to bed.

     I Live My Prayers to You--A Mother’s Meditation

Dear God, when morning wakes my eyes

   I lift my heart to you,

Before I greet the bright sunrise

   I fly beyond the blue,

I meet You in the morning,

   Before my tea is hot,

And when my duties press me,

    I find a quiet spot,

Just to stand and savor

   A moment still with You

Before my many duties

   Keep me all day through.

  

I pray while washing dishes

   While cooking at the stove,

While looking out the window,

    While hanging up the clothes.

I pray for my own husband,

   For all my children dear,

I pray sometimes without a word,

  Knowing my God does hear. 

I pray when crises happen,

   When tragic news arrives.

I pray when sorrows deep and sore

   Are crushing others’ lives.

I pray when pain becomes my guest,

   When disappointments crush.

I pray when I must patient be,

   And when I’m in a rush.

I pray each day if possible

   Down that day’s list of names,

Praying for Your help that day

   To make Your will their aim.

And when I go to bed at night,

   My hands still pray for me,

I find them folded in the dark,

   For God the Lord to see.

They raise a silent, constant prayer,

  As I close my eyes to sleep.

That God would watch us day and night,

   That He our souls would keep.

Tomorrow I will pray again,

   Not just a prayer or two.

But with my pots and pans and broom,

   I live my prayers to You.