Daily prayer: finding time to pray

It sounds kind of odd, but I love to pray while doing dishes. After the table is cleared, everyone runs off to do other things and I linger behind. Something about the warm fragrance of sudsy water, the motion of my hands, the stacking of plates…it soothes me. That’s when I say my best prayers.
— Terri, Fort Worth, Texas

I take walks on this beautiful wooded trail near my house where I pray about all sorts of things…the plan for my life, my family’s well-being and the things that make me thankful. I like to pray in nature because that’s where I feel closest to God.
— Katherine, Franklin, Tennessee

I pray in the car during my daily commute. I turn off the radio and talk out loud to God. I listen, too. I say my intentions and hopes for the day and always, always, always give thanks for my children. I feel very private, very close to God…and if other motorists see me talking, they just assume I’m on the phone!
— Nichole, Wichita, Kansas

I’m with Anne Lamott in the belief that the two best prayers and the ones that really say what’s in our hearts are: “Please, please, please,” and “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” I say those a lot!
— Theresa, New York City, New York

I say a prayer whenever I hear a siren or see a helicopter flying to a hospital…not for reversal of fortune or a miracle, just that peace and grace be extended to those involved.
— Eric, Kansas City, Missouri

For me, the beach is enlightenment. Even if I can only get there a few times a month, it helps me return to myself and feel clear. I especially love early morning and dusk…the glow of golds and oranges across the sky and the sparkle of light on the ocean. I love the calm and the peace it brings me.
— Linda, Los Angeles, California