I pray for the girl
who had to miss rehearsal
her dance shoes
waiting by the
front door.
Now she crouches
underground with neighbours
smelling of supper
listening for sounds
of demolishing dreams,
sanctuaries,
and hope.
God of all comfort
I pray for the mom
who wonders if she
left the stove on
in her hurry
scrambling to gather
papers and photos
filling backpacks for her
children,
rushing them past
tattered homes that yesterday
stood proud
to a train
headed away from the
chaos.
Oh God, our ever-present
Help
protect the student who
put aside his
research paper to
defend his city,
his future,
his home
unprepared,
unrehearsed.
Wanting nothing more than
what anyone desires,
peace.
Commander of Almighty
Armies hear our
desperate plea
bring evil men with
evil plans
to their knees.
Remove their hearts
of stone, bring reason
to mind.
Shield the innocent
from terror
uninvited.
Holy Spirit,
when words fail us
bring our groans before the
throne of God
intercede for our
brokenness.
You promise to hear us
when we humble
ourselves before You
and pray.
Why must we always come to the end
of ourselves
before we pound on
your door
pleading for your attention
as though you haven’t
noticed us before,
as though you
Haven’t been calling
to us.
Be merciful
God of all
mercies.
Is this,
Holy God
what You use
to shake us out
of our western ease,
to bring us to our knees
before You
to find our need of You
again
our own strength and plans
depleted
to fill the dusty pews
once more?
When we come to the
end of ourselves
there is
You.
