Tertullian on Prayer

All the angels pray. Every creature prays. Cattle and wild beasts pray and bend the knee. As they come from their barns and caves they look out to heaven and call out, lifting up their spirit in their own fashion. The birds too rise and lift themselves up to heaven: they open out their wings, instead of hands, in the form of a cross, and give voice to what seems to be a prayer. What more need be said on the duty of prayer? Even the Lord himself prayed. To him be honour and power for ever and ever. Amen. ~from the treatise On Prayer by Tertullian

Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift, the duty and the joy of prayer. Amen.

Note: The above painting is by Nicolaes Maes and is called "Old Woman Praying (Prayer without End)". The Art to Heart Web site has a lovely reflection on this work of art. I must confess, however, that what drew me to this image of prayer was not the woman herself, who exudes serenity and gratitude, but the kitten in the lower right-hand corner which is pulling on her tablecloth. All creatures, great and small, bless the Lord!