Poetry & Prose ~~ "Thank You, Lord"

"Thank You"

(A Prayer)

Lord,

Your grace so freely given

Your fruit so generously shared

The best wine poured daily

Your living water forever pure—

Suitable only for the purest—

You, your heavenly hosts—

But not for me.

Still

YOU struck the Rock

That I might drink freely.

Some days sipping

Some days thirstily, greedily.

Never offended

You are always eager to share and to bless.

Tonight

In this wee morning hour

My lips moistened with Your sweetness

I thank You.

You love me

And I love You.

YOU love me, MORE

And I love you more.

Thank You.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contributed by Terry Finnerty who believes that God has created each of us for a personal, intimate relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ; and He communicates with us, now, through His Word and Holy Spirit, through nature, and through His inspiration of others; and that we respond to Him, if we choose, literally, through the medium that is unique to each of us-- written words, prayers, music, art, silence, and sometimes, tears. I wholeheartedly agree with Terry's belief and statement in this regard.

For this guest blog, Terry shares a prayer in the form of a poem that he wrote late one night or early morning almost two years ago.  He hopes God likes it, and that you do, too!  

Terry lives with his wife of 37 years, Terri Anne.  He's journaled for years with the intention of sharing thoughts with their two sons and daughter-in-law, surviving siblings, and friends.  Much of what he's written lately has been conversations with God from devotional periods of Bible study and other inspirational reading, prayer walks, and photography sessions.  Writing helps to deepen his awareness of his life and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Pens and pencils -- Michelangelo's chisels that reveal the Davids (or Davidas) that God has created all of us to be.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Abba, My Father"

Abba my Father, thank You for giving me life,

            For making me Your child, filling every need.

Your joy is my strength, and You are my song in the night.

            Come fill me up now with Your love and peace.

Abba my Father, thank You for sending Your Son.

            Jesus paid the price for a debt I could not pay.

Your awesome Love for me is more than enough,

            Showing me Your mercy, giving me Your grace.

Abba my Father, Your Holy Spirit sets my heart on fire.

            Breathe upon me now like a mighty rushing wind.

Being filled with more of You is my heart’s one desire.

            You are my Comforter, Savior, and my closest Friend.

           

Abba my Father, I will forever praise You,

            I come to You now on bended knee.

I worship You now in Spirit and Truth.

            You are altogether lovely, so beautiful You are to me.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

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Poetry & Prose - "The Light of Your Presence"

The Light of Your Presence and the Fire of Your Glory set my heart ablaze.

            Forever I will love you and for all eternity I will sing Your praise.

My spirit is refreshed in the Water of Life flowing from Your Throne.

            Gladness of heart and fullness of joy are found in You alone.

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills where my help comes from.

            You are the Rock upon which I stand and into Your Presence I run.

For You alone are my hiding place and I put my trust in You.

            You lift me up on Eagle’s wings and my strength is renewed.

When the storm clouds gather with waves crashing all about, 

            You are a very present help in trouble removing all fear and doubt.

Even in the midst of the raging seas and all hope seems to be gone,

            You fill my life with joyous laughter and my heart overflows with song.

Your refreshing Wind blows over me like a gentle breeze,

            Touching my heart with Your mercy, grace and peace.

 Your loving kindness breathes new life into my soul.

             The sweet Rain of Your Spirit revives me and makes me whole.

You fill me with Your song in the midnight hour and You are my living hope.

            You mean everything to me for You are my eternal home.

 Let Your Light shine through me as I learn to walk in your ways.

            Lord, let me live in the Light of Your Presence every single day.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.  Used by permission.

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Poetry & Prose - "The Work of Your Hands I See"

In all of Your creation, it is the work of Your hands I see.

            Your fingerprints are everywhere, proclaiming Your majesty.

You hold the universe together by the power of Your spoken Word,

            And all of creation cries out in praise proclaiming Your matchless worth. 

When the morning sun rises and is ever shining bright,

            I am reminded that You alone are the light of my life.

When I gaze into the midnight sky and see the countless stars,

             Knowing You named them one by one overwhelms my heart. 

In the early spring when Your gardens burst forth with vibrant flowers,

            I see Your awesome wonders and I sense Your mighty power.

Rainbows remind me of Your everlasting covenant, Your promises forever true, 

             And what You have said in your Word, You are faithful to do.

  

Just like the summer rains that fall upon the desert sands, 

             Your love rains down on me and I am safe in the palm of Your hand.

 And just like the waters of the sea that needs the oceans’ shore, 

             Oh how I need your presence in my life,  I need You more.  

 Even in the midst of a raging storm and all hope seems to be gone,

            You fill my life with laughter and joy, my heart overflows with song.

In all of Your marvelous creation I see an intricate design and plan,

             I feel the power of Your love, and I see the works of Your mighty hands.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures

All  rights reserved.  Used by permission.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Inspirational Twelve Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas                                        

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Faith for any situation.                               

On the second day of Christmas,                                

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.                                                

On the third day of Christmas,                                     

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.   
                                         

On the fourth day of Christmas,                                 

My true Lord gave to me:                                                               

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                           

                                                                                                 

On the fifth day of Christmas,                                      

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Character built in the crucible!                                                        

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                            

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me.
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                

On the ninth day of Christmas,  
My true Lord gave to me:                                                                          

Truth to speak in love,                                                    

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                   

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                            

                                                                                                 

On the tenth day of Christmas,                                    

My true Lord gave to me:

Understanding of His word,                                        

Truth to speak in love,                                                   

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                    

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Peace that passes understanding,
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                     

Isaiah 9:6 ~~ “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Jesus is the King of Kings, and there is nothing like the life He brings!   By Him, In Him, and Through Him we have our faith, grace, abilities, perseverance, character, hope, love, joy, truth, understanding, discernment and peace. 

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Always The More"

As I reflect upon the countless blessings

            That You have showered down on me,

I am thankful for each and every one of them,

            Even for those blessings I cannot see.           

For unconditional love that flows from Your heart,

            For the breath of life You breathe into me,

For the gift of salvation and words of eternal life,

            For the gift of grace and mercy in a time of need.

For the gift of forgiveness that is freely given,

            For the unspeakable joy that floods my soul,

For the peace that calms the raging storm,

            For the gift of healing that makes me whole.

For Your light that shines in the darkest of nights,

            For the gift of faith and hope when all else fails.

For the song of deliverance when I am afraid,

            For the freedom I have to worship You above all                             else.

For Your gift of redemption, my soul is redeemed.

            For your Presence in my life that You are here.

For Your promise that You have overcome the world,

            And Your words to us to be of good cheer.

For the gift of my family, loved ones and friends,

            There are not enough words to adequately express,

For the many ways You have shown me Your love,

            And that through them my life is truly blessed.

           

For You alone are the One I worship and praise,

            You are the One I am living for.

For You, oh Lord, are a God Who is never-the-less,

            For You are a God Who is always-the-more.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Heaven's Delight"

                                            

Sounds and sights of Christmas are everywhere,

          While an array of joyous songs fill the air.

There are decorated cookies and delicious candy canes,

          As Christmas lights twinkle in frosted window panes.

Artfully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree,

          Await Christmas morning for children filled with glee.

The aroma of Christmas dinner fills the air with the fixings to enjoy,

          Our grateful hearts overflow with many reasons to rejoice.

Family, friends and loved ones all gather around,

          Sharing smiles and laughter as love abounds.

Christmas carols and holy Nativity scenes,

          Cause us to remember a Baby born, a Humble King.

Angels gave Glory to God, announcing the Savior’s birth,

          And shepherds heard their joyful praises filling the earth.

Wise men searched for the King following Bethlehem’s Star,

          Bearing gifts, bowing down in worship with all their hearts.

We may not know the exact day that our Savior was born,

          But that does not diminish the truth that He is our Lord.

God's love for all of us was placed on display,

          The Glory of God revealed to us on the first Christmas Day.

Heaven's Gift of Love came to dwell in our midst,

          We open wide our hearts and receive His precious gift.

He fills our hearts with His presence, glory and light,

          Emmanuel, God with us, Heaven’s delight.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.    

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