Dear God: I'm Praying. Please Do Not Disturb.

If I would ask the Lord
To change a nation
Change this church
Change that person;
But I have no stomach
To ask him to change me,

Am I not a rather

Blunted weapon?

If I would ask God

To heal my friend

Provide for their needs

And fill them with peace;

But I never admit

My needs or inner illnesses,

Have I any acquaintance

With God's power at all?

And if I would pray

For the salvation of souls

For closed doors to be opened

And justice for the oppressed;

But never ask God

For my daily bread,

Have I any understanding

Of life's substance at all?

If my conversations with God

Never discuss my mind's wanderings

Never name the emotions within

Never voice my rebellion

Never kick or scream

Never pierce the heart

Never draw tears of repentance

Never put me on my knees,

Then am I so sure

It's to God that I speak?

Abby's Alley