At our May Praying Without Words meeting our friend Beryl shared a prayer inviting us to learn from the Owl. In response our friend Joy wrote Owl-Like and then The Comforter, prompted by reflections shared amongst us.
The Owl - Norfolk Pictures and Prayers
Teach me, Lord,
the lesson of the owl,
who takes no hasty,
ill-judged action,
but makes time,
to look and listen,
to ponder and perceive.
In the busyness of life,
give me eyes to see,
ears to hear,
a mind to consider,
and a heart to contemplate,
on what would be your good
and loving will to-day.
OWL-LIKE - Joy Tobler
The owl turns his head
to look and listen intently
for the slightest rustle in the grass,
to pinpoint exactly where
it must dive and kill.
That’s how you made the owl, Lord;
to be a beautiful silent killer.
You made me differently, Lord.
Not to be a killer, but a lover.
To see with Your inner eyes those
who are troubled or anxious.
To hear with Your inner ears those
who are crying or sighing.
To reach out in love through
words or actions or prayer
to those in pain or distress; to share
with them Your caring compassion.
Help me, Lord, to keep my eyes and ears open
to the slightest rustle of Your outstretched wings;
to know and respond to the one who is,
this instant, the focus of Your love.
THE COMFORTER - Joy Tobler
The gentle hoot reminds me
of the owl’s unseen presence –
a feathered friend, I feel,
though not yet introduced.
A comforting living presence
in the dark alone-ness.
A reminder, too, of that Other
unseen friend, the Comforter,
also with me in the dark
and in the loneliness.
He utters no audible call,
no recognizable hoot,
but His inner voice speaks to me
of His gentle care.
His is the voice of my Master;
the voice of infinite love,
and eternal mercy;
His Spirit, my Comforter.