A Meek Appeal

“I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh

and give you a heart of flesh. 

And I will put my Spirit within you . . . 

and you shall be my people, 

and I will be your God”

 (Ezekiel 36:26–28).

Something for Thee

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Forgive my apathy

My soul, not wholly awed

Forgetful, where a blood-drenched tree

Extolled the Lamb of God

Forgive my wayward eye

From Cal’vry’s silhouette

Where grief does not compose a cry

Of true repentance yet

Forgive my easy loss

Of sorrow for my sin

Forbid, I gaze upon the cross

Yet bar the Door within

Forgive my errant whim

Desires, prone to pride

Unshaken, as I gaze on Him

With Self, not yet denied

Forgive my lack of zeal

For Your sufficient grace

Draw me back to the cross to feel

Your blood drops on my face

Forbid that I should bow

O Christ, beneath thy Blood

Only to return to sin’s slough

Like a pig to the mud

Remove my heart of stone

Break through my ache of skin

With renewed awe for You alone

Who takes away my sin

Forgive me when I seek

The willing ways of men 

Lord, enter in where flesh is weak

And make me strong again 

© Janet Martin

Nearer, Still Nearer

My Christmas Prayer

From our house to yours-Merry Christmas!

The plan was to be part of a choir at church tonight at

 our Christmas Eve celebration

Celebration/worship is still happening at home, but not the choir!

Everyone is storm-stayed far and wide due to the 'crippling blizzard'!

Still

May we rejoice as we reflect on the Reason for the season,

and the Reason for the believer's joy!

This poem was also going to be shared tonight at the Christmas Eve service

I share it with all of you now, my prayer for us all,

 as we celebrate our Saviour's birth!  

My prayer for every one of us, for each day that we live

Is that we taste the joy of Jesus, only He can give

The glad tidings of joy angels proclaimed, in days of old

I pray, just as the shepherds did, we hasten to behold

And though we do not kneel, as they, that night at Bethlehem

I pray, that daily we rehearse the day we look on Him

And that the joy of living hope is like a Light unfurled

Because by faith we have beheld the Saviour of the world

I pray the joy of Jesus melts each shadow of a doubt

As we receive the Reason that Christmas is all about

Then, come what may, I pray that nothing in this world can dim

Joy’s Star, as we, like the Wisemen have come to worship Him

© Janet Martin

From me to all of you who faithfully drop by my 'poem-porch',

wishes for a blessed Christmas to you and yours!

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

To Cling, Rather Than Understand

If we relied only on what we understood we would all be atheists!🙏

Prov.3:5-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall [b]direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Deuteronomy 13:4

You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him;

and you shall keep His commandments,

listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.

Psalm 63:7-8

For You are my help;

I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.

My soul clings to You;

Your right hand upholds me.

Isa.41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you, I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

What waits we cannot tell. Lord, all that we would ask

Is for Your Spirit to compel and fit us for love’s task

To run with hope, no, fly! To rise on eagle’s wings

And bid humility reply while to Thy law hope clings

To find our rightful place within your counsel true

And to commit this day of grace and what it brings, to You

To repent of pride’s sin and yield our will and want

To You, rather than flounder in a world of futile taunt

To trust in You; not lean on sight-impeded ken

But to cling to what is Unseen, forevermore, amen

Then, with pure joy to know the peace Your love imparts

Your right hand on our shoulders and your Word within our hearts

What waits to try and test we do not know or see

But to cling to Your Promises seals our victory

To know, at your right hand are pleasures evermore

To cling, rather than understand, oh Lord, thus we implore 

Amen

© Janet Martin

Isa.40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength;

they will mount up with wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not faint.

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

 At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Cling To Christ

 

Judge of the Secrets of the Hearts of Men

Have Pity on Us, Father

He remembers that we are dust.

 As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

 For the wind passes over it, and it is [b]gone,

And its place remembers it no more...

Soon all this flourishing flower and field will disappear...

and the plant with all its beauty and vitality will be as it never was!

So too it will be with our bodies, but never the Soul!

Psalm 103:13-18 (NKJV)

As a father pities his children,

So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

14 For He [a]knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is [b]gone,

And its place remembers it no more.

17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

18 To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

So much sorrow in this broken world to

author anguished cries to our Heavenly Daddy...

who remembers we are dust💔

Have pity on us, Daddy

(Thou knowest we are dust)

When we cry to Thee, ‘Abba’

Restore, renew our trust

In Thee, for Thou art able

To do what man cannot

Instill in us a table

Laden with feasts, joy-wrought

For even in our groaning

The joy of Thee abides

Through faith in the atoning

That Calvary provides

The hope of our salvation

Transcends life’s bitter blows

The thorn of tribulation

Cannot defeat The Rose

Thy mercies are eternal

Our numbered days of bloom

May draw from springs supernal

Carved in an empty tomb

Thus, though our frame will perish

As flowers of the field

The Soul with Thee will flourish

When heaven is revealed

Have pity on us, Daddy

Doubt’s dark despair forbid

As we cry to Thee, Abba

Like once dear Jesus did

Kindle in us a vision

When dust its due reclaims

Of hope's tear-stained transition

Instilling faith’s dust-frames

Our Father, (who art) in heaven

Bend Thine ear to our plea

That all may be forgiven

That all humbly fear Thee

And find in Thy compassion

Thy kind comfort to cheer

The Soul, clad in frail fashion

Of dust-knitted veneer 

Ignite in us Thy Presence

 Thou, Friend above all friends

Behold faith's smoking incense

As prayer on prayer ascends 

Until the mortal flower

Fulfills its ordained must

Have pity on us, Father

Remember, we are dust

In Thy name we pray

Amen

© Janet Martin

Hebrews 4:15-16 (BSB)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,

 so that we may receive mercy and find grace 

to help us in our time of need.

Where Could I Go but To The Lord-Emmylou Harris

Much More Than Words Flung to Thin Air

Psalm 34:17, ESV

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears 

and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Isaiah 65:24, ESV 

Before they call I will answer; 

while they are yet speaking I will hear.

Psalm 18:6, ESV 

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.

 From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

1 Peter 5:7, NIV 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 54:4

Surely God is my help;

the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Psalm 10:17

You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble;

You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear,

Rom.8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people

in accordance with the will of God.

1 Kings 6:16-17

Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us 

are more than those who are with them.”

17Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.”

And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man,

and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha...

We are currently praying for a lost little boy!

(he wandered away from his family's campsite

and has been missing since 3:00 p.m. yesterday)

Will you pray too, for him and his family? 

Update 4:45p.m. He has been found.

He is with Jesus.

His Eye in on the Sparrow

How oft we pour our broken cries before Thy mercy-seat

The Author and Perfecter of faith that oft groans and weeps

We plead for thy sufficient grace to succour and defend

To help us run with endurance life’s race; true to the end

To help us trust in Thee who never leaves us or forsakes

Us. Who keeps all Thy promises; who never makes mistakes

Whose eye is on the sparrow, then much more on me and you

As we pour out our cries, You hear, and know just what to do

How much more than words flung into thin air, the humble plea

As we cast our every care, dear gracious Lord, on Thee

Amen

© Janet Martin

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

We Pray For Traveling Mercies, Lord

1 John 5:14

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: 

that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Last week we received a prayer-request from a family,

for traveling mercies as they departed to answer God's call to a far-off land.

They have now posted a picture of their safe arrival!

We rejoice and continue to pray for them as they adjust to a new country,

and for all of us, who are striving to heed God's calling, 

we pray for 'traveling mercies' 

until we reach our destiny, to be forever with the Lord!

We pray for traveling mercies Lord, where cares and heartaches press

For hope and confidence restored through Thy Word’s promises

For salvation to be our song no matter what we face

Lord, make us weak to make us strong through Thy sufficient grace

We plead for traveling mercies Lord, for eyes we fix on Thee

To run with endurance toward The Reward none can see

For the joy set before us be our strength and joy and crown

Until with the victorious we lay this body down

We pant for traveling mercies Lord; that you would quench our thirst

With Living Water of Thy Word where boundless well-springs burst

From Truth’s eternal Rock, through ages never overthrown

Though storm and battle wages naught can shift Thy Cornerstone

We need Thy traveling mercies Lord, to lead us through each mile

We need thy Holy Spirit’s Sword where smiling snares beguile

Where our feet would slip without angel-armies unfurled

To vanquish dread and fear and doubt with peace, not of this world

We pray for traveling mercies Lord; and trust in Thy reply

For all we ask according to Thy will, you satisfy

Then, though we do not know or see all that time may betide

We press toward Faith’s destiny by mercies You provide

…all we like sheep have gone astray, but Thou, by Thy Son’s blood

Have borne our grief and washed away sin’s curse in mercy’s flood

Thou, The Good Shepherd, kind and true hears Thy sheep’s humble prayer

As traveling mercies lead us through the pastures of Thy care

In Thy Name we pray,

Amen

© Janet Martin

Blessed Jesus, Hold My Hand

Let Us Run

Sharing this song again because it uses a favorite scripture of mine

I need to repeat over and over! 🙏💗👑

A Wedding Prayer

No matter how solid and secure love feels on the day of the wedding

that wicked old deceiver and destroyer , the devil,

will soon start to find subtle, or not so subtle ways to try to

wedge his way in to weaken and fray the tie that binds two into one

Matt. 19:6

So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

If any thing is needful of constant attention and prayer

it is surely each and every one of our marriages!

Or, over and above that, our faith in Jesus 

and devotion to His counsel to guide and instruct.

Strong faith makes strong marriages/ families.

Strong marriages/families make strong nations.

Don't you feel like an honored wedding-guest as you enjoy the fruit

of carefully thought out and arranged details?!!

Dessert!

...and of course a lot of people-pictures that are not mine to share💖

This is the poem I put in the cards for the bride and groom 

of the two recent weddings I/we had the honor of attending

A Wedding Prayer

I pray the Lord to bless this new life that your vows begin

A little like a bud still unfolding the bloom within

And as the years go by, I pray by God’s grace, love bestows

Beauty we cannot see until the bud unfolds the rose

I pray God’s mercy crowns the ups and down that wait to be

As love withstands dues and demands because love’s strands are Three

And someday, looking back I pray that joy will awe your heart

Today, but the beginning of love’s sacred, sweetest part

I pray the honor that you feel for each other today

Will deepen and strengthen into a cord that cannot fray

I pray that God will help you keep love faithful, kind and true

As what God joins this happy day only death can undo

Janet Martin

Eccles.4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Thankfulness and Praise

1 Pet.1:17-19

And if you call on the Father,

who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, 

conduct yourselves throughout the time of your [e]stay here in fear;

 knowing that you were not redeemed with [f]corruptible things, like silver or gold, 

from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,

 but with the precious blood of Christ,...

Imagine if every Sunday morning the minister would,

with trembling hands open a letter of encouragement

such as Peter wrote to remind the early church,

the first Christians facing opposition and persecution,

of the believer's living hope, so they/we would

'rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you

 at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 'v.13

Oh joy, we have that letter not only for Sunday morning but every single day!

v.20-21

He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, 

but was [g]manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, 

who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, 

so that your faith and hope are in God.

Then as we think on these things 

may our lives overflow with humble thankfulness and praise!

When Joseph was thrown into prison after Potiphar's lie

he did not seek to vindicate himself but trusted God and served Him, even in prison!

'because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.'

Gen.39:23

Lord, help us strive to live our days in such a humble, trusting way...

As this morning's much needed rain is a plant's 'living hope'

so is God's Word/truth to the one who puts their trust in Him!

Lord, help us strive to live our days

With hearts of thankfulness and praise

Remind us of faith’s recompense

A heavenly inheritance

Lord, make the motive of life’s call

To glorify You above all

Lord, in the dark thick of the fight

Help us to be a shining light

Lord, let the kindness of Your grace

Equip, encourage and embrace

Let holy conduct testify

Of the hope on which we rely

Lord, lest some deadly vice creep in

Convict us of each subtle sin

Lord, then as we discern Your ways

Fill us thankfulness and praise

Amaze us with the end that tolls

With the salvation of our souls

Bought, not with world-wealth sacrificed

But with the precious blood of Christ

Lord, keep us from spite's ready snare

Stir in us Gethsemane's prayer

Then, help us strive to live our days

With hearts of thankfulness and praise

Forever and Always,

Amen

© Janet Martin

Matt.5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

 that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Father, what we know not

Teach us

What we have not

Give us

What we are not

Make us,

For Your Son's sake,

amen

(excerpt from message below)

Another excerpt: sometimes a bad thing happens for a good reason!

(Listen around and after the 30 min. mark for very vital, somber, relevant caution!)

The Need for Prayer

Do you love your pastor/s?

Do you pray for them so their

preaching may be the gathered result of our prayers?!!

Does a Sunday morning sermon bring fruit of 'their labour' or 'our labour'

as fellow-labourers for our Lord!?

Faith's Perfect Plea

Psalm 38:21

LORD, do not forsake me;

do not be far from me, my God.

Psalm 94:22

But the LORD is my defence;

and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Abide With Me-Audrey Assad

Savior, Lead Me Lest I Stray

Do not forsake me, Lord

But be my fortress tall

Sin wields a decorated sword

And winks while victims fall

Do not forsake my prayer

Lest from the fold I stray

Lest, wise in mine own eyes I dare

To trust in mine own way

Help me hold dear love's laws

Lest I love’s proof discard

Lest presumption of grace should cause

Me to let down my guard

Do not forsake me, lest

I lose the faith to cope

Where cares besiege and vices test

The hardiness of hope

Do not forsake me in

Sorrow, lest I despair

Nor in my joy lest I should sin

And turn my heart elsewhere

…and I would dare to flee

The rock of my defense

Thy Wing whose feathers cover me

Where enemies commence

Do not forsake me, Lord

I need Thy constant voice

Lest I am lured from Thy True Word

By a buffet of choice

Do not forsake me then

Because the flesh is weak

And I am only strongest when

Your Spirit bids me 'seek'

The foe is wily, oh

I know that I would fall

Prey to pitfalls of pride-fear-woe 

Without You, Lord of all

How impuissant I

Left by myself would be 

Lord, bend thine ear to hear faith's cry

Oh, do not forsake me

Amen

© Janet Martin

Inspired in part by this:

So We Proceed in the Proper Posture-A Prayer

 

This morning's prayer is inspired in part 

by today's Daily Bread Devotion scripture reading;

James 4:7-17

and in part by mediating on the Beatitudes

while we struggle in this noisy world to

be meek and strong!

The Beatitudes

Matt.5:3-12

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, 

persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, 

for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the face of creature conflict, Lord, remind us of our place

Make us strong yet make us meek; season the words we speak with grace

Grant us wealth of wisdom only Holy Scriptures can provide

So, in the heat of the battle Your name will be glorified

As we walk and talk together help us weather what we must

Let tethers of utmost kindness bind the wounds of dust-to-dust

Keep us from becoming bitter when life throws a brutal curve

Lest we forget, through You, Father, we have more than we deserve

Blessed are the poor in spirit, the merciful and the meek

Lord forgive us when we stumble and don’t turn the other cheek

When rather than being humble we want to retaliate

With word-weapons not befitting we who walk in love, not hate

Help us Lord, to thirst and hunger after righteousness so we

Do not trouble our spirits with wants of futility

Lead us beside quiet waters where this world does not applaud

Help your sons and daughters to be still and know that you are God

Amen

© Janet Martin

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth.”

Sunrise Supplication...

 

I looked up from my still blank page

where I was waiting to get a 'leading/lead'

on what to write to see This going on!!

So I grabbed some clothes from the hook and shoes sitting inside the door

(which happened to be Matt's parka and Kodiaks)

and I shuffled out to the fence to watch and wonder!

(in case someone saw me and wondered at my strange getup haha)

Lord, calm the tempest in my heart

As dawn draws night away

Where I am about to embark

Upon another day…

Lord, let me not contrive from fear

Dark dread of what might be

But lean upon Thy Word so dear

Like leaning on Thy knee

Lord, like the woman at the well

Open my eyes to see

The gift of God that none can quell

And Thou alone can be

…with Living Water quench my thirst

Let Thy peace intercede

And help me seek Thy kingdom first

Thus, finding all I need

From fathoms of goodness and grace

I draw from faith, not fear

Where, though I cannot see Thy Face

Lord, I know Thou art near

I thank Thee for Thy steadfast care

To help me bear my own

And for Thy whisper through my prayer

That I am not alone

© Janet Martin

I sometimes struggle between making a poem/prayer personal or communal!

First I had we-us-our instead of me-I-my

but it seemed more personal to pray this in first person

and my prayer is that it will uplift and encourage

you as you pray/read it!

John 4:10

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God 

and who it is that asks you for a drink, 

you would have asked him 

and he would have given you living water.”

One of my favourite hymns...

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

(LOVE to hear the next generation singing these beloved hymns!)

Morning Prayer

 

Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

John 1:4

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Oh, that the joy of the Lord would ever be

the 'background to our consciousness'!

The excerpt below from the book

The Gown of Glory by Agnes Sligh Turnbull

(I esp. love the prayers in this book)

This morning's prayer-poem started before I was out of bed,

as I prayed the third stanza,

(for how can I/we have a closer walk with Him

if there is an area of unrepentance still unaddressed?!)

I kept switching this from a personal I/me format

to a general us/we settling on the latter

because we are all in this faith-fight together

and it is the prayers of God's people that

keep His army strong!

Father of earth and Heav’n

We praise Thee for Thy grace

In this new day that Thou hast giv’n

Let nothing take Thy place

Be Thou our strength and stay

Over each thought preside

For thought shapes what we do and say

Then let Thy goodness guide

By the lamp of Thy Word

Convict the rebel-heart

Because without conviction, Lord

Repentance cannot start

Lord give us eyes to see

The fringes of Thy Hand

The thunder of Thy majesty

Ah, who can understand

But let it be enough

Whether in gain or loss

To know Thy everlasting love

Was proven on the cross

Help us fight the good fight

As warriors of peace

Fit us with Thy armor of Light

Where doom’s dark threats increase

Where pitfalls plague and test

Where enemies press hard

Lord, bid our souls to be at rest

Yet ever on Thy guard

Help us hunger and thirst

After Thy righteousness

Let truth keep us from being cursed

By vain covetousness

Father of earth and heav’n

Instill in us the joy

That at faith’s birthplace first was giv’n

And man cannot destroy

As we face the unknown

Let Thy Presence portray

One Hand beneath each stepping stone

And one to show the way

© Janet Martin

Take Thou My Hand, O Father

A Teeny Prayer and Prayer Request (updated)

My niece is conscious and cognitively healthy! (mentioned here)

Praise God

She has a long road to recovery ahead but has youth on her side

and with that, the hopes of full recovery!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

The above hymn is extremely near and dear right now

More on why when it is mine to tell...

In the meantime can you pray without ceasing for my brother and his wife?

***Their injured daughter is not the only very heavy cross they are bearing today...

***update. My brother's wife's mother (Erma Bauman)  passed away this evening

after a battle with cancer.

Sometimes a poem 

is a prayer

Sometimes a prayer, 

a tear

Dear God, you understand 

what-e'er

We entrust 

to Thy ear

And though we do not 

know the why

or what yet 

waits to be

Your grace,

 sufficient in supply

will satisfy 

the plea

Amen

Janet💓🙏

Praying the words to this song over them as well...

He Giveth More Grace-Don Moen

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase

To added affliction He addeth His mercy

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure

His pow'r has no boundary known unto men

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

When we have exhausted our store of endurance

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure

His pow'r has no boundary known unto men

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure

His pow'r has no boundary known unto men

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again