Coming to Prayer

There is no need to bring a pencil to prayer;
no need for an eraser to put thoughts in reverse.
Let unvoiced compliments be heartily received
for what they may mean not for what they say.
Leave theological commentary to be spoken later
by the ones who think they know what is going on.
Give thanks for neighborly hands coming together
to pick up debris after a sweeping, violent storm.
Once the safety of all is ensured, only then, turn
to face disrupters and their willful wantonness.
Practicing kindness may create another minute.
Remember, Christ, with arms outstretched, was 
crucified between the good thief and the bad thief.