Prayer is our humble answer
to the inconceivable surprise of living.
It is all we can offer in return
for the mystery by which we live.
Amidst the meditation of mountains,
the humility of flowers
— wiser than all alphabets —
clouds that die constantly
for the sake of God’s glory,
we are hating, hunting, hurting.
Suddenly we feel ashamed
of our clashes and complaints
in face of the tacit glory in nature.
It is embarrassing to live!
How strange we are in the world,
and how presumptuous our doings!
Only one response can maintain us:
gratefulness for witnessing the wonder,
for the gift of our unearned right to serve,
to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness
which makes the soul great.

With special thanks to Mafalda Faillace
for sending us Rabbi Heschel's
stirring reflections.