Trusting
God opens
Faith journey’s door
Quiet conversation fills hope
Prayer
Embracing
Love overcomes
Uniting divided world
Grace softens another heart
Prayer
Sustaining
Faithful relationship
With Lord above
Hallowed be thy name
Prayer
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
From Matthew 14:27: “But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'”
Dorothy Bernard (1890-1955) was an American actress during Hollywood’s silent film era.
Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com
It is mid-morning on a nearly empty street corner in a remote, medium-sized town when Milt runs into one of his best friends, Fred. Little do these two men know, but their improbable rendezvous will bring both of them inner strength and hope.
Both men are in their eighties, but each is blessed with good health. Being retired, they don’t always have a chance to catch up on news.
Milt is a widower, who lost his beloved Sharon several years back. Fred’s lovely wife, Judy, struggles with many chronic health concerns.
The two friends continue to visit on the deserted street corner. Milt tells Fred, “I am really concerned about this virus news.” As he speaks, both men realize they need to stand a bit farther apart due to reminders in the news about social distancing.
Milt replies back, “Me, too. I guess we have lots of company.” Both men have been overly cautious about being safe with their exposure to the disease.
Fred shares news from home about his bride of 61 years. He continues talking to Milt, “I am really worried about Sharon. Her health is very fragile, and I hope she can weather the storm ahead with this virus out there.”
Milt looks across at his friend, and he sees the deep worries of concern and anxiety in Fred’s face. Milt asks, “May I pray for you?” Milt nods in agreement.
In closing the prayer, Milt shares a special prayer with his long-time friend: “God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Before the men depart and continue with their day’s journey, Fred shares a verse from one of his favorite Psalms (27:1): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
The Serenity Prayer was originally written by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The most common version of the prayer was published in 1951, but Niebuhr used variations of the prayer in sermons as early as 1934. In the story, Milt adapted the prayer to fit the situation.
Originally published March, 2020.
God has a course mapped out for your life, and all the inadequacies in the world will not change His mind. He will be with you every step of the way. And though it may take time, He has a celebration planned for when you cross over the “Red Seas” of your life.
From Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Driving dusty country road
Spotting landscape’s mountain peak
Deciding to climb her now
Stopping at cozy diner
Feeling extra hungry now
Ordering one more entrée
Traveling to nearby park
Witnessing fall’s colors now
Taking plenty of photos
Locating brand new car wash
Seeing truck looks dirty now
Selecting supreme wash job
Seeing family in need
Buying them blessed, hot meal
Filling up empty tank now
Pausing, time with Father now
Praying for needs of others
Thanking Him for many gifts
Wrapping up for now . . . just another day!
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.
From Romans 12:11-12: “Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.
From Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”
Through life’s foggy mist
God’s mercy filled
With eternal peace
Feeling trust build
Darkness to light
God’s spirit flowing
Faith’s quiet brook
Leading and knowing
Greenest meadow calls
God’s deepest love
Creation’s wings stir
Flying above
No greater warmth
God’s grace melts away
Life’s icy outlook
Kneeling now, let’s pray
One heart transformed
God shall never rest
New day’s promise
Seeking another quest
From 1 Chronicles 29:12-13: “Riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. In Your hand are power and might, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. And now, our God, we give thanks to You and praise Your glorious name.”
Questions
Seeking help
Father never forsakes
Faith carries us through
Answers
Waking
Each morning
Day’s agenda reset
Grace sustains another soul
Living
Hearing
Daily prayers
Mercy brings patience
Father’s glory shall shine
Believing
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
Daily
Blessed dialogue
God and self
Listening to His love
Prayer
Trusting
Christ’s light
Leading one’s journey
Along His chosen path
Faith
Creator’s
Lasting insight
Through free-flowing grace
Timing of life’s seasons
Fulfillment
From Isaiah 41:1: “Listen to Me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”
Daily life racing ahead
Bearing with its constant noise
Searching for journey’s beachhead
Father’s mercy transmits poise
Listen in silence, God speaks
Hearing His comforting voice
Quieting peace, each heart seeks
Father calms, let man rejoice
Heaven breathes, stillness exhales
Shining His light, never fear
Leaving dark, wilderness trails
Father leading, always near
Schedule time, only for God
Drawing near, learning His way
Transforming sinful facade
Father’s blessed Word, let’s pray
American writer Madeleine L’Engle captures the essence of meaning found in this poem with these words: “Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.”
Big Sky Buckeye 