May everyone be able to say amen,
Our goals the same, to glorify your name.
For that, O Lord, I place both life and limb
In your good hands — all that I am, the sum
Of me — do what you must to purify
And make me useful for the News of Christ.
So tear away the dross, tip over the gods,
Rebuild this life of straw, of cheap charades.
Let the Lord Jesus remain, so chip away
At names, traditions, ambitions that betray
The pattern you gave us. Here am I, O God,
The creature in need of your defining touch.
Only from You
The gift of yet another day of life
Comes only from you, the gracious Giver
Of good. Let all creation praise your name!
Air for breathing, living water for drink,
The word of love between us our lasting link,
Your caring touch — To you be glory forever!
Tumultuous world of anguished men in need!
To Jesus Christ the Savior would you lead
Each precious soul in freedom — All power is yours!
Your servant hears, O Lord! He runs to obey
Your blessed command. Put wings upon his feet.
Let lanterns on a hill illumine your Name!
Leave None the Same
O Lord, our God, Defender and Shield,
Giver of growth and seed for the field,
Yours is the praise, the glory and power,
The weak and weary run to your tower.
Hear now, O God, our fervent prayer,
Confessing need, our hearts laid bare:
Come fill our souls, remove our shame,
Make firm our faith, leave none the same
While we for heaven’s home prepare;
In us, O Lord, glorify your Name.
Build Pillars of Faith
Father God, in the face of doubt,
Build pillars of faith in the solid Word;
When clouds obscure my future home,
Make hope shine brightly all about.
If the heart feels hurts that time can’t heal,
Burn the laser of love to seal the wound.
For lack and need and empty lives,
Pour out your fullness on us who plead.
My Failures
Success! See, Lord, how I succeed,
How I have reached the upper cloud!
For you no longer have I need,
My failed successes make me proud.
My failures! Lord, my failures! Show
How you transform them into power;
My shameful vision brings me low,
I need your hand to lift me higher.
The great destroyer of pride
You, oh Lord, are the great destroyer of pride, that beast which never seems to die.
The God of gods, you bring man down to the dust.
You desire that your creature desire you.
You seek to bless, and we bless your name for seeking us to bring light to our darkness.
No one can perform the wonders that you accomplish. You are all we need. Cause us to make you the only desire of our heart.
Words Fail
Heavenly Father, words fail to express
The deepest gratitude, the sharpest need,
But still we know how much you bless,
How deeply you love, how wisely you lead.
See All My Pain and Need
The longings of man, O Lord, run deep,
Desires of body and soul,
They ruin his day, disturb his sleep,
And make of him a fool.
No passion is greater than need for you,
No wider emptiness;
Than self is required a vaster view,
Which pride balks to confess. Continue reading “See All My Pain and Need”
Pleas Pour Out
What stirs within me while I pray?
What fear? what thirst? What can I say?
You know, O God, the heart’s desire,
The pliant will, to what I aspire.
Emotions, thoughts, and pleas pour out;
You know my every pain and doubt.
In Christ, make struggles glorify—
My deepest needs you supply.
I’ve Said It
I trust you — There! I’ve said it!
The future — how I dread it!
I know not what’s ahead
Beyond my daily bread.
I need you — How I feel it!
The devil mustn’t steal it!
He says you’re not for real,
He’d rob me of my zeal.
I love you — I need to say it!
For yours, I cannot weigh it!
Your reign is why I pray,
To come the final day.