The following prayer was written in rhyming couplets. It is not intended to be good poetry, It is just as it came from my head to the paper, unedited. (Lionel.)
Lord, this is our prayer, we know you are near
We know that You care; that you sense our tears,
You feel our pain and as we come to you again
You feel our joy as we praise your holy name.
Our hands and feet are committed for your use here on earth
For the building of your kingdom in honour of Your Birth.
The day you changed all history to show us the father’s love
By leaving all the glory, leaving Heaven above.
A stable rude was where you came to begin your sacred duty
Animals for company, a manger for a bed, no comforts, no beauty
In the comfort of our decorated homes, we need reminding once again
That Christmas is not about tinsel, but remembering why you came.
And as the angel chorus welcomed you that day
We too welcome you into our lives to stay.
And as humble shepherds were privileged that night
We too consider it an honour to be for you a light.
As the Eastern wise men came in homage to their king
We likewise pay you tribute as we join in offering __
Ourselves into your service, whatever way we can
Acknowledging that every gift comes from your generous hand.
We confess our sins and selfish ways,
You take confessed sin and blow it away.
You give us new life and new paths to tread,
Free from anxiety, worry and dread.
Filled with Your peace, you give us new hope,
New vision, new hearts and all we need to cope.
We offer our thanks, our gratitude clear
Lord, this is our prayer, we know you are near
We come to You for learning, our hearts are open wide,
Inviting Your Holy Spirit to come and dwell inside.
Teaching us all things that we need to know
As we heed your commission for us to boldly ‘Go’.
For all that you’ve done and are doing today
And what you have planned for eternity
We praise you, precious Lord again.
This is our prayer, in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Happy reading. A number of people have asked if they can use quotes from my Blog in church bulletins or newsletters. Permission is granted provided credit is given to: Dr Lionel Hartley, www.hartleyonline.blogspot.com
Profile
- Lionel Hartley
- Born in New Zealand of English parentage, Lionel D C Hartley worked as an office and theatre manager and commercial artist while gaining qualifications in Business Administration and an honorary diploma in Dramatic Art. In the 1970s, he graduated as a Registered Nurse with subsequent postgraduate qualifications in Psychiatric and Psychopaedic Nursing, Nursing Nutrition and Administration, Sex Therapy and Family Life Counselling. In 1980, he graduated from a Melbourne Theological Seminary with a Diploma of Religion and in 1989 received a PhD in Sociology. He also has qualifications in graphic design, computer programming, business law, accountancy and economics. He is perhaps best known as the author, co-author, editor, and/or illustrator of over 100 books and hundreds of periodical articles, pamphlets and multimedia publications. He retired after 30 years as a family life counsellor. Lionel is still very involved in campanology, writing, manuscript translating (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Latin, and Portuguese), and public speaking. He is married to Rosemary (nee Wells) and they have three grown children. -- Adapted from a profile written by Theo B Hawkins.