What would the duck pray?

(No, not “What does the fox say?”…. let’s not go there!)

When I get discouraged in prayer, I remember “The Prayer of the Little Ducks”:

Dear God, give us a flood of water.

Let it rain tomorrow and always.

Give us plenty of little slugs

and other luscious things to eat.

Protect all folk who quack

and everyone who knows how to swim.

Amen.

It always makes me smile to imagine little ducks happily splashing about and saying things like “Wow, God, thanks for all these awesome puddles!” It’s not hard to think of things that bring you joy or that you are thankful for – this is a good place to start in prayer.

And although “give us this day our daily slugs” doesn’t have the same ring to it, you can consider what you really need today – help in a big meeting at work or on a test at school, perhaps – and ask for help.

I also imagine that these ducks live in a little pond, and they don’t know about animals like zebras or kangaroos -- or maybe they think that everyone quacks like they do? (Can zebras and kangaroos swim? Note to self: stay away from Google during prayer time!) I can certainly start by praying for those closest to me, and then later include those further away.

This prayer is from Prayers from the Ark by Carmen De Gasztold, which includes prayers from a number of different animals, including these:

The Dog — "No one but You and I understand what faithfulness is."

The Goat — “I love to bound to the heart of all Your marvels.”

The Tortoise — “A little patience, O God, I am coming.”

Why not ask your kids how they think your family pet would pray!

Debbe Mork