Poets

The Baby – Michel Quoist

The mother left the carriage for a minute, and I went over to meet the Holy Trinity living in the baby’s pure soul. It was asleep, its arms carelessly laid on the embroidered sheet. Its closed eyes looked inward and its chest gently rose and fell As if to murmur: This dwelling is inhabited. Lord, you are there. I adore…

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Mystics, Old Age

Ageing Prayer – Terisa Of Avila

Lord, You know better than I know myself,that I am growing older and will someday be old.Keep me from the fatal habit of thinkingI must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving tostraighten out everybody’s affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom,it seems a pity not…

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Love, Mystics

Love Song – Terisa Of Avila

Majestic Sovereign, Timeless Wisdom,Your kindness melts my hard, cold soul. Beautiful Lover, Selfless giver,Your beauty fills my dull, sad eyes. I am yours, you made me.I am yours, you called me.I am yours, you saved me.I am yours, you loved me.Let me never leave your presence. Give me death, give me life.Give me sickness, give me health.Give me honour, give…

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Pastors, Preaching & Reflecting

Pastor’s Prayer – Martin Luther

Dear heavenly Father, speak. I gladly remain silent as a child and learner. If I lead your the church with my own knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, I would have been sunk long ago. Therefore, dear God, help me to get out of the way, that You may guide and direct it. I will gladly forsake my point of view and…

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Faith, Lament

Overcrowded! – Michel Quoist

Lord, why did you tell me to love all humanity, my brothers and sisters? I have tried, but I come back to you, frightened… Lord, I was so peaceful at home, I was so comfortably settled. It was well furnished, and I felt cozy. I was at peace. Sheltered from the wind, the rain, the mud. I would have stayed…

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Pastors, Praise

Teach Us The Art Of Praise – C.H. Spurgeon

O God, teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of the eternal Hallelujah. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.’ Grant us grace that we may not bring Thee blessings merely because Thou dost feed us, and clothe us, and because we receive…

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Lament, Short

A Short Sigh To God – Martin Luther

A short sigh to God the Father… O God, Father of all poor, miserable souls! Give us all your grace and enlighten us with your truth. To you be praise, glory and thanks forever. Amen – Martin Luther (1483-1546AD)

Thanksgiving

Thank You Thank You – Michel Quoist

Thank you Lord, thank you. Thank you for all the gifts that you have given me today,Thank you for all I have seen, heard, received. Thank you for the water that woke me up, the soap that smells good, the toothpaste that refreshes.Thank you for the clothes that protect me, for their color and their cut.Thank you for the newspaper…

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Confession

Know My Poor Soul – Martin Luther

O my dearest Lord Jesus Christ,you know my poor souland my great transgressions,and I cry out to you alonewith an open heart.I am sorrythat I do not havewill or intentions as I shouldand I fall behind daily,for I am a poor, sick sinner.You knowthat I want to have good will and good intentions,but my foe strikesand leads me captive.Redeem me,a…

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Confession

I Have Fallen – Michel Quoist

I have fallen, Lord,Once more.I can’t go on, I’ll never succeed.I am ashamed, I don’t dare look at you.And yet I struggled, Lord, for I knew you were right near me, bending over me, watching.But temptation blew like a hurricane,And instead of looking at you I turned my head away,I stepped asideWhile you stood, silent and sorrowful,Like the spurned lover…

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