In the midst of running
from my problems,
from myself,
from one necessary task to the next,
I listen to that impulse within me,
the one that reminds me
that I could keep running blindly my whole life,
days and months speeding into years,
losing all perspective;
I am reminded that learning how to rest and abide
in You
is in part how I learn to rest and abide
with Me.
I need You, Source of all Creation,
as deeply as I need myself,
as deeply as I long for comfort,
reassurance,
guidance,
and trust.
Your presence feels so distant,
too distant,
when I am living life as if it’s a marathon
waiting to be won.
Help me, instead,
recall that slowing down can be just as important.
perhaps at times more important,
than speeding to get things done.
Help me remember, Beloved,
that the longings of my heart
are never satisfied by the sprint
but rather by the slow, languid meander.
Help me remember that my weary spirit
may be weary because of all my running.
I can choose to slow down.
Help me make that choice.
Walk with me
as I make that choice.
— from Conversations with the Sacred: A Collection of Prayers, edited by Manish Mishra-Marzetti and Jennifer Kelleher, Skinner House Books, 2020.