The ‘prayer boat’ is in every piece of art. Boats carry us along,
they go off course, they come back on course.
Like small boats we sail along through days and seasons,
some bright, some happy, some stormy,
even fearful. Sometimes we see many wonders, sometimes we miss everything.
These times are all part of our prayer which carries us into the life of Christ.  

Notice what happens to the boat in Monday to Friday prayer.

Water is all around us, gentle and powerful,
meeting us
as waves nibbling at our sandy toes,
a cool drink running down our thirsty throats,
showers and baths for washing and for splashing,
greening rain falling on dry land and gardens,
life-giving and life-saving.

From our baptism,
water carries us
into the life of Christ
and into God's wonderful world.

Like small boats, we sail along
through days and seasons
some bright and happy,
some stormy, even fearful,
sometimes seeing many wonders,
sometimes missing everything
as we reach new shores.

Prayer raises our sails,
catches the Spirit wind,
and blows us on our journey
toward God and other people.

On our voyage, upstream, downstream,
we meet other sailors and companions:
perhaps a pet or playmate,
perhaps an angel messenger,
young, little people,
and old ancestors,
who share our voyage and our prayer.

And the Southern Cross of stars is like a compass,
pointing us towards the home
God has prepared for us.