Here’s a poem cherished by our community. “The Kitchen Prayer” by Klara Carlotta Munkris (1879-1971).
The Kitchen Prayer
Lord of all the pots and pans and things,
Since I’ve not time to be
A saint by doing lovely things
Or watching late with Thee
Or dreaming in the dawn light
Or storming heaven’s gates
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates.
Although I must have Martha’s hands
I have a Mary mind.
And when I black the boots and shoes
Thy sandals, Lord, I find.
I think of how they trod the earth.
What time I scrub the floor,
Accept this meditation, Lord —
I haven’t time for more.
Warm all the kitchen with Thy love
And light it with Thy peace.
Forgive me all my worrying
And make my grumbling cease.
Thou who didst love to give men food
In room or by the sea,
Accept this service that I do.
I do it unto Thee.
— Klara Munkris