What We Need Is Here by Wendell Berry

This morning I am preparing for our Lenten retreat on Saturday, thinking about what I will do for Lent and how I will prepare my own sacred space for the season. This prayer by Wendell Berry seemed very appropriate for this time of preparation. I have been meditating on the words all morning as I look out at the snow covered Olympic mountains.

What We Need Is Here

Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.