Our Father Who Art in Heaven...

 This poem/prayer was inspired as I prayed for all those who mourn this Christmas! 

(so many hearts are raw with fresh grief and 

so many are learning to live with its tender ache as time goes by)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;(NKJV)

Col. 4:2

Dear Heavenly Father,

May the prayers of your dear children

Surround and bless those who mourn

May the faithful Hope of Heaven

Soothe the stabs from trouble’s thorn

May this ranting, raving mad world

Before gates of grace are sealed

‘ere all prophecy is fulfilled

Look to Jesus, and be healed

…peace that passes understanding

Though the storm our vessel tries

Though the tempter is tormenting

Time’s inhabitants with lies

Let it be in us a haven

Make its Source our Strength and Stay

While this swirl of dust is graven

With all that will pass away

Make our hearts a humble altar

Cupped in Living Sacrifice

Remind us, God, you’re our Father

And you bought us with great price

Through the gift of Your Son Jesus

And the curse He overthrew

If we believe you receive us

Making us your children too

Our Father up in Heaven

Let us then hallow Thy name

Through your Gift we are forgiven

None can any merit claim

For the Author of salvation

Gave the very best He had

So that every tribe and nation

Can look up and call you Dad

 

Then as we cry Abba, Father

(For God, oh how oft we slip)

You reach down with tender favour

And restore our fellowship

As You minister in spirit

As You supply our need

Father, we can feel and hear it

Your love, as you intercede

Amen

© Janet Martin 

Instead of devoting ourselves to argument leading to anger,

let us devote ourselves to prayer, leading to worship in spirit and truth!