Macrina Widerkehr: We know there are stars so far away that their light has not yet reached the earth. Could the same be said about the bright ideas, virtues, creativity and dreams of our own lives? Perhaps some night when you get up to pray, something will turn over in someone’s heart and find its voice all because of your small prayer. Never underestimate what little acts of love can accomplish. Do not take lightly the sacred connections that are possible in daily life. Perhaps our very waiting in the darkness gives some struggling unknown pilgrim of the hours hope.“
Waiting without an agenda
“Vigils is a time of exquisite beauty. It is a time for waiting and watching under the mantle of mystery. It can be a prayer of waiting without agenda, without urgency. We often wait for things we cannot change.
Waiting in itself has the potential of being a prayer of faith.“
Like a seed resting in the ground
“Sometimes we wait for growth. Like a seed resting in the ground, we wait for who we can become. The darkness that surrounds us can be an ointment for our restless spirit. If we do not turn away from this darkness, it has the potential to be a nurturing womb for us. Often it is in the dark times of our lives that our eyes are opened, and we see things in new ways.“
“…Waiting with purpose, patience, hope and love is vigilant waiting.“
Content above is an excerpt from “The Night Watch” in Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiederkehr
creative meander 
Thank you for the reminders of the immense power of prayer
Thank you for your comment! Every time I looked at the photo of the solitary bird in the spaciousness, I recalled Macrina’s words on vigils. Had to share with others.