In some of my early gift booklets I explored the medium of poetry as a means of prayer; a way of approaching God in a way that captures the imagination and speaks as prose sometimes cannot quite do. The poems from those booklets, together with many others I’d written subsequently, were later collected in my book Poems to Help You Pray. Here’s one of them.
We are not discouraged, for even though we seem outwardly debilitated, inwardly we are being renewed every day. The inconsequential affliction we endure now is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond measure. 2 Corinthians 4:16, 17
God of life, I come in worship,
lost in wonder, filled with awe.
At your feet I kneel in homage,
here to marvel and adore.
Words cannot express your greatness,
awesome is your majesty:
higher than the highest mountain,
deeper than the deepest sea.
God of love, I come rejoicing,
here to celebrate your grace.
Consecrate this sacred moment,
help me meet you face to face.
In the love of Christ enfold me,
by his touch make me anew:
cleanse, renew, restore, refashion
all I am and all I do.
God of light, I come in gladness,
soul on fire and heart ablaze,
reaching out in adoration,
singing hymns and songs of praise.
Take the hope that flames within me,
take the joy that burns so bright;
may my life reflect your glory,
finding favour in your sight.