A prayer for the desire to pray

Prayer is a cry in the dark,
a child’s longing for home,
and a hollowed soul’s seeking of fulfilment.

Prayer is a two-fingered salute
to the hopeless cynicism of endless false promises
and a bunting-waving celebration of love in action.

Prayer is a sacred space,
found in the midst of the unholiest of battlegrounds
and in the desolation of loss.

Prayer is a memory
of long lost conversations with wise elders
and an exuberance of youthful anticipation.

Prayer is a shared longing,
a whispered dream
and an open conversation.

Prayer is a revolutionary act
It is hope in despair
And a grace-filled weaving of love’s intent.

May God bless us with the desire to pray, that we might better act, for the sake of all. Amen.

Michaela Youngson, Assistant Secretary of the Conference

Prayer following the school bombing in Gaza
A prayer of thanks for God's goodness