Lord,
I caught a glimpse
of the captain and the crew
of this ship,
as I passed the cockpit.
They looked competent enough,
appropriately serious,
but not glum,
reassuringly at ease, and
seemingly in control.
Lord of the airways
that envelop this world
and the great expanses of space,
steady the hands,
clear the minds,
sharpen the eyes
of those who guide our journey.
Ease their hearts of personal care,
protect the friends and family
they have left behind.
Keep them alert and far from
boredom as they sit, masterfully,
before that instrument panel
in the cockpit.
Amen.
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. . . .
I loved her more than health and beauty,
and I chose to have her rather than light,
because her radiance never ceases. . . .
For both we and our words are in his hand,
as are all understanding and skill in crafts. . . .
The cycles of the year and the constellations of the stars . . .,
for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me.
— Wisdom 7:7, 10, 16, 19, 22