I am overwhelmed,
tired in mind-body-spirit,
desperate lest I lose my grip,
like a new swimmer fears to have
the kicking board slip from her grasp.
“I cannot swim any further,” my soul cries, but
my feet have no hope of finding support in the depths.
Save me, Jesus! Catch me up in your raft or else
teach my feet the faith of walking on water.
Cast the waves far from me or give me
strength beyond my strength to swim.
Hear the cries of this land-loving
soul, O God of the oceans,
O Jesus my savior.
The waves stand tall and proud and daunting, daring the traveller through life to step through. High walls of life-diminishing poverty, hunger, injustice, violence close in on many. Flood waters of debt, hurt, addiction, loneliness, work overload, persistent unemployment damage the lives of others. O God, our guide and source of life, go with us into the deep, throw us a lifeline and help us to support one another through the hard tides of life. Amen
Love the way you have crafted the physical shape of your prayer, Rachel – depicting the ebb and flow of water.
Thank you, Hilary. Sometimes the shape of a prayer on paper/blog influences my writing just as much as the words do!
How quickly the flood waters have risen–
gusts of wind dash the harsh waves
on many
even as we cling to You
the Rescuer
Steady our souls
Be a beacon of hope
Row this ship to peace
Let there be no “loss of life”
as we anchor ourselves
to You
Rachel…this is such an enriching experience. How blessed it is to form my own heart prayers as life unfolds day by day– as well as to have the privilege to peak into the souls of you and others.