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