A prayer in summer

Dear friends,

As the summer unfolds, here’s one of my favorite poems, called “A Prayer.” It was written by Edwin Markham, who lived from 1852 to 1940 and was poet laureate of Oregon.

Teach me, Father, how to go

Softly as the grasses grow;

Hush my soul to meet the shock

Of the wild world as a rock;

But my spirit, propt with power,

Make as simple as a flower.

Let the dry heart fill its cup,

Like a poppy looking up;

Let life lightly wear her crown

Like a poppy looking down,

When its heart is filled with dew

And its life begins anew.



Teach me, Father, how to be

Kind and patient as a tree.

Joyfully the crickets croon

Under the shady oak at noon;

Beetle, on his mission bent,

Tarries in that cooling tent.

Let me, also, cheer a spot,

Hidden field or garden grot –

Place where passing souls can rest

On the way and be their best.

May you know God’s peace today.

~ Sarah

P.S. - I will be on vacation from August 3 through August 31. I'm grateful to Cliff Cutler and Kourtni Patten, who will officiate at the Sunday morning services while I'm away."