From where does prayer arise
What fount from which it flows
In thanksgiving, in petition, in intercession, in confession, in praise
Everything from tearful laments to gladsome celebrations
Anything from lying down, bowing, prostrating, jumping, dancing
All in poetry, or song, or chant, or silence
Prayer does not begin with praying, with word or in silence,
Prayer begins with prayer
Before a word is on the lips, silence speaks prayer
Prayer not being the same as praying while
Praying can be a means of prayer
And in silence one returns to prayer
Resting in Silence is being with prayer
Before the mind places it into words or images
So to enter most fully into prayer
Return to prayer
And whatever prayer be placed on the lips
Let it shape itself out of the silent aspirations of the Heart

*Brian Wilcox. 'Bends in a River'. Flickr

(C) Brian K. Wilcox, 2019