As I settle down in prayer
I spend a few minutes
contemplating a picture
that I love –
“In the Wilderness”
by Ron di Cianni.

It depicts Jesus
on a hillside
in the wilderness
in prayer.

In my mind’s eye
a child version of me
scrambles up the hill
and sits down beside Jesus
who welcomes me
with a smile.

“Do you want to stay with me
for a while
and pray? Jesus asks?
I nod.
“Well then,” Jesus says,
“all you have to do
is to be still.
Rest your body
and your mind.
Then, just lose yourself
in God’s love.”

And so we sit,
side by side,
on the hillside,
in silence,
in peace
and in prayer.

© Claire Murray, 26th September 2015