From Psalm 88:1-2:  “O Lord, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.”

Cold stillness greets early morning air

Dressed in armor’s extra warm layers

Pre-dawn speaks with inviting brightness

Heavenly Father answers prayers

Heart’s emptiness filled with sorrow’s grief

Walking life’s open road with brisk pace

Precious moments with Father’s goodness

He stands ready at this time and place

Frigid frost slaps rosy cheeks and nose

Step after step, life moving along

Chill penetrates through extra clothing

Heart needs comfort, love from Heaven’s song

Absent clouds replaced with brightest sun

God’s advent warms both body and soul

Speaking with loving mercy and grace

Father softens pain from rocky shoal

Walk’s intensity traded for peace

Warmness and hope, alive and feeding

Life’s burdens lightened with God’s blessings

Sharing much more, His presence leading

From Psalm 25:16-17:  “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.”