Prayer is like watching for

The kingfisher. All you can do is

Be there where he is like to appear, and

Wait.

Often nothing much happens;

There is space, silence and

Expectancy.

No visible signs, only the

Knowledge that he’s been there

And may come again.

Seeing or not seeing cease to matter,

You have been prepared.

But when you’ve almost stopped

Expecting it, a flash of brightness

Gives encouragement.

COMMENTS

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4 responses to “Prayer Is Like Watching for the Kingfisher – Ann Lewin”

1. Stefan says:

   08/01/2017 at 9:34 am

   This is beautiful! I love it.Thanks for sharing it. It gave me peace that I sorely needed today.

   Reply
2. Barbara says:

   06/12/2020 at 4:34 am

   Thank you so much for this beautiful poem! It has helped my prayer life so much. Icing I is if you will read this I hope so. You are in my prayers. Blessings

   Reply
3. Wellspring of Prayer – DProffertory says:

   08/01/2021 at 12:50 pm

   […] nothing very much happening.” This reminded me very much of Ann Lewin’s poem “Prayer is like watching for the kingfisher“. Sometimes, you only see hints, like the day I saw the earth rippling in front of me as I […]

   Reply
4. Caroline says:

   04/10/2024 at 6:10 am

   It is a lovely poem, reminiscent of spiritual poetry RS Thomas and William Blake.

   Reply