by Andrew Taylor-Troutman

Maybe we pray with every determined step,
every reach of a helping hand;
each time we focus body and mind,
and pour ourselves into a gracious plan.

Prayer might be volunteering our service
to feed or clothe the poor; or, as simple as
plucking a worm from the hot pavement,
landing the squiggler in the cool grass.

Perhaps prayer is more about trust,
less about effort—more like leaning on a tree.
I have faith the trunk will hold me up;
though it is anchored by deep roots I cannot see. 

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of Gently Between the Words: Essays and Poems. He is the pastor and head of staff at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church in North Carolina. These poems were originally written for Sunday worship services.