Poem August 10, 1981 Issue

The imperative of prayer

NORMAN ASWALD WALTER

When I pray—

What do I say?
Lips begin, but
desire speaks.
Is it pure?

What do I hear?
No earth-lament, but
heavenly commands.
Am I listening?

What do I feel?
No mystic ecstasy, but
joy to touch the true.
Is heart stirred?

What do I see?
No mortal view, but
integrity of God and man.
Is my prayer lived?

Pure, listening heart
sees duty required

—when I pray.

NORMAN ASWALD WALTER

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Editorial
A source of water in a thirsty land
August 10, 1981
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