There are lilac bushes outside my backdoor and at the side door of the church and they're in bloom - but sadly, not for long... I wrote a "lilac prayer" three years ago but I found today I had another lilac prayer within me, waiting to be shared...
Lord, how I wish that lilacs had a longer life!
Oh, I know the bushes will stay green
through the summer into fall,
til the first frost claims their color
and they take their winter nap...
But their blossoms, Lord,
are too soon gone and with them
their intoxicating scent:
the fragrance of your presence,
the sweet air of your Spirit,
the bouquet of gracious blessing,
the aroma of your peace...
Lilacs and their heady scent
are gifts I don't deserve, Lord,
so I lay no claim upon their stay
but rather take this moment
to thank you for this springtime grace
that fills me with contentment...
Make me, then, more grateful, Lord,
for gifts you give that never fade,
whose seasons are forever:
your never-failing presence,
your patience with my folly,
your healing word of mercy,
your Spirit's guiding wisdom,
your arms' strong, sweet embrace,
and the glory of your beauty,
the light upon my path...
Such gifts don't bloom at doorways, Lord,
but rather, in my heart
where your presence, much like incense,
fills creation with your fragrance
and my heart and soul with grace...
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.
The Fragrance of Christ by Charles Billingsley
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Sweet aroma fill this place
Let us feel your warm embrace
Touch us with your healing grace
Let us see your holy face
Hold us so close by your side
Let us see your loving eyes
Take our wrongs and make them right
Breathe on us the breath of life
The fragrance of Christ
It breaks apart the strongholds of pride
and the hardest of hearts
It makes all the wounded whole and then starts
to open the senses to your goodness
It's the fragrance of Christ
At the start of every day
Fill my heart with perfect praise
with this offering i raise
A holy tribute to your name
Take my feet and lead me to
All the world or just a few
With everything I say and do
May the glory go to you
Let us feel your warm embrace
Touch us with your healing grace
Let us see your holy face
Hold us so close by your side
Let us see your loving eyes
Take our wrongs and make them right
Breathe on us the breath of life
The fragrance of Christ
It breaks apart the strongholds of pride
and the hardest of hearts
It makes all the wounded whole and then starts
to open the senses to your goodness
It's the fragrance of Christ
At the start of every day
Fill my heart with perfect praise
with this offering i raise
A holy tribute to your name
Take my feet and lead me to
All the world or just a few
With everything I say and do
May the glory go to you
Chorus
Fresh anointing cover me
With a balm of purity
Make me a bouquet of honesty
I will hold your name up high
By the way I live my life
Let me be the fragrance of Christ
Fresh anointing cover me
With a balm of purity
Make me a bouquet of honesty
I will hold your name up high
By the way I live my life
Let me be the fragrance of Christ
Chorus
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