As trees dance in the wind,
As water or snow empties from the skies,
As the earth shakes in its rotation,
I watch in wonder, the workings of this earth.

As squirrels scamper about their work,
As birds sing a symphony above,
As dogs love and protect their families,
I watch in wonder, the residents of this earth.

As water flows with multiple reason,
As plants grow for food, air, and shade,
As scenes of beauty are etched by both rock and cloud,
I watch in wonder, the nature of this earth.

As changes come, at times surprise and shocking,
As people are displaced, at times in pain and discomfort,
As cries go out to and about you, at times with bitterness and fear,
I watch in wonder, your work within this earth.

I watch in wonder, the recovery of this earth.
As I see images of other worlds and galaxies,
As I read accounts of historical changes,
As I hear reports of what may be ahead,
I watch in wonder, the universe beyond this earth.

As I hear the cries along changes path,
As I cringe at how some treat your land,
As I pray for mercy for those being changed,
I watch in wonder, the design of your creation, this earth.

I am simply a steward of things you’ve created,
You are the Creator of creation,
And time and again, your ways prove true,
I watch in wonder, your love and creation of this earth.

Faithful as I try to be,
I find myself often falling short.
Distractions, attractions, desires and wants;
Not all of my thoughts are of a good report.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me rest,
Allowing me to gently abide in the vine.
When my mind and heart grow hectic.
I realize I don’t need to rush all the time.

Rather, when I calmly slow down to still,
Pondering your words; kneeling into prayer,
My heart enters peace, my mind tags along,
Once again, of your love, I’m aware.

Make me contagious with this spirit,
Keep me courageous each step of the way.
Thank you for your grace and your mercy.
Always aware and calm, with you I’ll stay.

 

Photo on Pixabay by RyanMcGuire

Not About Me

Cover me, Lord
in your comfort,
So I can testify of your kindness.

Strengthen me,
for spiritual battle,
So I may witness your victory in the midst

Weaken me,
from my own self-destruction,
So I rely on your ways and understanding.

Guide me,
on righteous paths,
So I can be secure in your love.

Teach me,
to live on a Roman road,
So I can lead others along the way.

Prove me,
to grow more fruitful,
So I can better serve those in my path.

Guard me,
with your armor,
So I might recognize and defeat the enemy.

Protect me,
with your Word,
So I might always do well in your eyes.

Fill me,
with your joy,
So I will be a contagious light among others.

Hide me,
from my fears,
So that I may stay courageous.

Equip me,
to share good news,
So others may know of your goodness.

Hold me,
in your enduring love,
So I might not falter or grow weary.

Correct me,
in my temptation,
So that I don’t sin against you.

Forgive me,
in my error and sin,
So I might testify of your tender mercies.

Remove me,
from my judgmental ways,
So I don’t dismiss others too quickly.

Humble me,
when I think highly of myself.
So I might only rely on your strength.

Keep me,
from my opponent’s harm,
So that I may show them your loving kindness.

Feed me,
for today only,
So my trust is always and only for you.

Show me, God,
in all these things;
how to serve, not for me:
but for Kingdom sake

Always Open

Whether it’s short.
Whether it’s long.
Drowning with tears,
or praising with song.

To know that your presence, God
With me anytime, anywhere;
Always Open,
For spontaneous prayer.

If I hurt, hear my cry,
If I rejoice, hear my praise,
Thank you for being Always Open,
All my nights, all my days.

 

Photo on Pixabay by bykst

So They Know

They are hurting. My Family. My friends.
Some in their body. Others in their heart,
Sick, or lonely, maybe even defeated,
Their lives seem to be coming apart.

Heal their hurts, God.
From dark paths remove them soon.
Show them light in such a way
So they know it comes from you.

Without explanation but one,
Astonishing as it may be.
Rescue them from darkness,
So they can clearly see.

That your love, Father, covers in comfort,
And Christ’s blood cleanses white as snow.
How the Holy Spirit can guide them,
Strengthen their faith so they may know.

Bring them into the fold, Dear Lord,
Draw them near to you now.
Do so in such a way,
they can only say,
It must’ve been God’s doing.
So they know,
What I know,
Of your incredible, powerful, awesome, healing love.
Please.

Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

 

Photo on Pixabay by skeeze

A Judging Lament

Neither judge or jury am I,
Forgive me my thoughts.
Allow me to discern with love,
passing judgment or punishing not.

Other may share practices and opinions,
I think are wrong and in error.
To hold my thoughts about it too long,
Does not give you honor.

Seeking first your kingdom,
Showering them in charitable love:
Either in word, deed, or silent prayer.
Trusting in you for all things good.

Forgive me for such thinking, my God
Through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit keep my thoughts on high,
From trying to make things right.

Whenever I see an action or word,
Let me remember with Christ-like care:
Grab hold of me not to pass judgment,
Rather move me to love in prayer.

 

Photo on Pixabay by succo

To Church

As I prepare to enter your house of worship, Lord
With plenty of people in entering within:
Let me focus my whole being and mindset
seeking and praising your mighty name.

No matter what is going on with me (or others)
This is a place of refuge, a safety zone.
Remind me some arrive hurting or wanting,
Seeking … something, some even showing off.

In all the moods and purpose of others,
Keep my heart and mind focused on you.
If the preaching is dry, I will pray around the room
If my singing is off, I will sing to you in my heart.
If my mind wanders, may it wander in your direction.

Let my greetings please you,
May my singing honor you,
Hear my praying thanking you,
Allow my service to glorify you,
Make my listening wait on you,
Move my way with others to love you.

Not just on this day,
Not only with these people.
Nor because I’m in your house.
But every day, with all, anywhere.

Always, in worship of you
praising you, loving you!

 

Photo on Pixabay by hamist, overlay with PicMonkey

Thank You, Holy Spirit

Thank you, Holy Spirit:
For your guidance,
For your counsel,
For your intercession.

My faith strengthens,
with your continual presence.
My hope brightens,
as you draw others near.

With each passage of Scripture read,
Some already familiar and known,
You bring new light and understanding,
In my life to apply.

I want never to ignore your tug,
Nor to turn away from your whisper.
Keep my mind and actions focused
On the righteous paths you lead me.

Guide me through Scripture,
to better understand.
Guide me through the days,
so stronger I withstand.
Guide to ones in need,
for me to offer a helping hand.

Thank you, O Holy Spirit!
My God and wise teacher,
for bearing witness,
and enveloping me in prayer.

 

Photo on Pixabay by lholtz1023

Let me see, as best as I can,
With perspective from a Jesus lens.
Loving others regardless of means,
Status high or low, opponent or friend.

To notice beauty and blessings,
in the simplest of things:
the bud of a flower blossom,
the sound of dawn as birds sing.

To pause and look around,
and wonder at the work of your hand;
And see amazing testimonies,
of your design throughout the land.

Let me see as best as I can,
And look after things with Jesus eyes.
While gathering with others,
Loving them without disguise.

Seeking You first and always,
in every thing and situation to find,
Your Glory, presence and majesty,
At times overpowering my mind.

Rather than asking you to show yourself,
I need only to open my eyes to see:
The miracles of life and living
Thank you, Lord, for setting me free.

 

Photo on Pixabay by Gellinger