The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 ESV
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. - Jhn 1:9-10 ESV
Living Jesus who is the only true light, I walk in the darkness Of despair In the gloom Of fear In the midnight Of grief In the shadow Of a violent world. I strain my eyes to see Just a glimmer of hope In a harsh world That crushes hearts In a frantic time That overwhelms minds. Open my eyes to see Your great light Shining truth To expose deception Revealing dangers So I don’t fall Illuminating my path So I can find the way To Your living hope. May all the glory be to You, Emmanuel, God with us, Everlasting light of the world. Amen
I grew up in the Episcopal church where a collect from the Book of Common Prayer was read every Sunday. I was re-introduced to this traditional form of poem-prayer by KJ Ramsey in her beautiful Book of Common Courage. I’ve been reading collects from her book and re-visiting the Book of Common Prayer this past year. I’ve developed an appreciation of this form of prayer and tried composing some. I wrote this one while reflecting on the Advent candle of hope, a glimpse of hope shining in the dark reminding me that God is with me.
I, too, am trying out writing in a form - the sonnet. I want to try others eventually. I’ve never read or studied prayer forms before. That might be interesting to try out.
I am enjoying reading your writings here lately.
(Eventually I will get around to publishing your piece for the Mind Stayed series. Work and life have been so busy. I have an update to the series churning within that I hope I will post during the holiday break.)