Half Renga by Michael Shoemaker and michael parker

prayers are pink water

lily petals reaching high

skyward blue

serene words, peaceful refuge

spring's heart-to-heart communion

some say prayer is

the Christian's native air

and gasp the words now

"Thy Kingdom come and will be

done," arises from our hearts

"Thy faithfulness is

great," our hymns of praise

stretching out unto Thee

sensing the bright shade of peace

feeling the contours of hope

prayers are oxbow streams

filtering souls--giving

habitat for life

small piece of heaven on earth

and love from the Lord's outreach

Oh Father, Thou hast

heard us on pinnacles and

deep in ferny bogs

on turquoise oceans and seas

in the suburbs and cities

on sweaty bus seats

in distressing interviews

in idle airports

in hectic days, sleepless nights

in humble meditations

in hospitals'

echoing corridors

suing for peace

even in protestations

and our kind affirmations

prayer is a humble

caged sinner's plea

freed to saints' rejoice

the appeal of the beggar,

the depressed, or in despair

pray always

continuance in prayer

pray always

ask, seek, knock: you will receive

find, and it will be opened