The Runner's Prayer
by Kathleen HighamA young man running furiously
The crowd was electrified
The competition intensely fierce
A mother screamed then heavily sighed
I felt her anguish in my heart
For her son had fallen down
Wanting so much for him to succeed
To possess the ceremonial crown
Even though I never met her
I turned to her and said
You must be so very proud
But she sadly turned her head
All this way for nothing
The words came pouring out
And when he ran she cheered him
With enthusiasm she would shout
He has one more chance she said
And he approached the next event
I bowed my head and prayed for him
Asking for an angel to be sent
It was not an urgent prayer
But I wanted him to win
So his mother might understand
That we are living with sin
The race was so exciting
But it seemed he was too slow
I believed he had won the race
As his mother got up to go
I touched her arm and smiled
Saying why don't you wait and see
I knew God had answered the prayer
And the announcement came with glee
The window of time presented itself
I told her that God was there
He had heard and answered me
I called it the runner's prayer
A mother's heart was filled with joy
As she gave me the high-five
When the runner's prayer enlightens her
Then she'll run to God to survive
