Michael Simms: Our Father who art in flowers

Our Father who art in flowers

In the corner of the birds/ in the heart

Of compassion/ in charity

In patience and forgiveness

Our Father who art in me

You are the One I love

The One who hurt me

The One who seeks the truth

Father of ours/ you are the One

Who stayed with me

And the One who left me

Wounded by longing

Hallowed by Your name

For all that is beautiful

Good/ fair/ gracious

Lead us to Your kingdom

Of peace and justice

Faith and charity

Light and love

Forgive me my mistakes

Forgive my heart when it turns cold

Forgive me as I forgive those

Who offend me/ Forgive me

Even when my heart turns bitter

And troubled by ingratitude

Rid me of evil/ of violence

Rid me of pain/ of heartache

And disappointment/ But still

When such difficulties are necessary

Give me strength and courage

To say Thank you Father

For this lesson

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Copyright 2019 Michael Simms. Adapted from many prayers overheard and misheard.

From the collection American Ash (Ragged Sky Press, 2020).

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