Deacon reflection and prayer

By: Lora Burge


This is most of a poem I wrote a few years back.  I offer it as a reflection and prayer after Wednesday’s community worship service:

It’s late.  I’m here in bed

Where a million thoughts

Flow through my head.

Work, obligations, friends

Papers, books to be read,

I wish your plan as more than a thread.

But why does it haunt me?  Why can’t I sleep?

My heart is still broken,

I still want to weep.

I’m so tangled in this society.

My frustrations are an ever-growing heap.

I struggle to find hope and my faith is hard to keep.

This spiritual gash inside me

Why won’t it heal?

It’s been over a year and the hole has no seal.

             The infection remains and painful it feels.

With Central America in my mind,

My heart constantly reels. 

Can there ever be healing?

Will a scar one day form?

On this broken heart, so lost and so torn.

Will a peace be restored

After it’s weathered the storm?

Can this turmoil ever be overtaken by the calm of the norm?

And then it hits me, as I lay here in my bed.

“My child, there will be no healing:

I’ve gifted you with truth instead.”

“You will have no scar

To show off to your friends. 

For this was not my sole purpose and end.”

“I’ve privileged you with the truth,

And with it a responsibility. 

Seek justice and peace, for these will be your legacy.”

God,

We pray for those who don’t have enough water, food, shelter, safety, hope.

We pray for those who have too much money, power, greed, material things.

Teach us how to seek justice and peace, love mercy, and walk humbly with you and the rest of the world around us.

May your will be done. 

Amen.