Prayer on the Run

from Loyola blog by Vinita

I can pray as I bake this pie

peeling the apples
rolling the dough
sprinkling the sugar
making it right.

This is my work of love, Lord.
Bless the ones who will partake
who will taste and be glad.
Bless them, and bless me, too.

I can pray as I search the stores


which scarf or book or teacup
says her name? bears her colors?
Will it help her remember Grandma
or have a little hope for staying warm?

This is my work of love, Lord.
Bless the one who receives
who will unwrap the pretty paper
will utter a little cry of joy.
Bless her, and bless me, too.

I can pray as I ready the house

clean the corners
set out the platters, the candles
choose the music
arrange the cedar boughs just so.

This is my work of love, Lord.
Bless the ones who come here
who will hang up their coats and sit awhile
who will tell stories and pass the green beans.
Bless them, and bless me, too.

I can pray as I watch my loved ones

who gather one more year
for another meal, for gifts and gab
who coo at the babies
and have one more piece of fudge.


This is my work of love, Lord.
to be here, to be grateful,
to love these beauties and wonders
with my whole heart.

Bless them, and bless me, too.