Some folks pray and some folks don't pray. Prayer is many different things for me - I can't imagine life without prayer. I've post a similar prayer several times before, each time adding new images, as I have this evening...
Lord, I thank you
for the gift of prayer in my life
and for all the ways it nourishes me,
refreshes and sustains me...
Prayer is
a chapel of your presence, Lord,
a home that waits to welcome me,
a storehouse of encouragement,
a window to good choices,
an easychair for grieving,
a refuge from adversity,
a table set to feed my soul,
a word to break the silence,
a hearth of warmth and comfort,
a harbor safe and calm,
a library of truth,
a wellspring of pure grace,
a secluded, private beach,
a hand upon my shoulder,
a mending kit for brokenness,
a fruit tree ripe for picking,
a nap beneath the Spirit's wings,
a cove of quiet beauty,
a meadow for discernment,
a still point in my chaos,
a treasure chest of wisdom,
an ocean of forgiveness,
a warm embrace to hold me close,
a ladder to the heavens,
a cup of grace to quench my thirst,
a hideaway for weeping,
a secret source of prudence,
a beacon in the darkness,
a garden of tranquility,
a respite in my weariness,
a mountaintop for dreaming,
a path to just decisions,
a clearing in my forest,
a haven of deep peace,
a stream to soak my feet in,
a coffee break with Jesus,
an atlas for my journey,
a lifeboat in the tempest,
a river of compassion,
an oasis of serenity,
a fortress when I'm fearful,
a shower, soft and cleansing,
an offering of prudence,
a retreat from life's absurdity,
an open field of freedom,
an intermission in life's drama,
a court of tender mercy,
a safe house to protect me,
a source of unknown strength,
a valley of contentment,
a shelter in the storm,
a font of consolation,
a mooring for my drifting soul...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep rest in your peace...
Amen.
Tonight's song is a contemporary setting of some 19th century lyrics that have survived the years quite well...
Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
lyrics by James Montgomery
composed by Sally Deford
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Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heav'n with prayer.
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heav'n with prayer.
O Thou, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way;
the path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!
the Life, the Truth, the Way;
the path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!
