A personal muse on prayer.
Jesus my loving Lord,
And brother mine,
Whose dear-bought sacrifice,
Outpoured the Spirit’s grace…
Draw me into prayer.
Fan that inner flame,
Divine-set in the core of me,
That embers in silence,
That so its healing burn
Will enthuse my heart.
O Giver of all my moments,
Let me not go long
Without a thought of You,
Whose vital love-gift
Sustains my every moment,
Both this now, and,
Even unto eternity.
And when I do think of You,
Remind me – it’s Your doing:
Always You, prompting me.
Always You.
And when I do respond,
Oft only when tumults beset,
Convict me that nothing matters more,
In this sacred time,
And on this holy ground,
Save that I bide with You.
And when I do spare You time,
Who are the Giver of all my span,
My awful sinfulness overwhelms,
And shame clouds my soul,
And I would hide from You!
May You then re-Eden me,
For Your love has conquered sin.
And when I falter, oftentimes,
Since my spiritual eyes are dim,
And my soul stress-addled,
Grant me that inner vision,
Faith-clear, to see You there,
Ever prodigal, ever welcoming.
And let me not babble,
And word You out,
Who are the eternal Word.
Help me to be still,
Yet attentive as I wait,
Wait, wait on You.
For prayer is my highest act:
Your sweet will and my true purpose.
O teach me this simple truth:
That I do more
When I rest in You.