O Jesus, Brooding Hen,
I long for the naiveté of a chick
who sees the nest as its whole world and
the hen’s wing as a sure defense against the fox.
But I have imagined the threatening fox
into mythical proportions that even
a nervy hen cannot restrain.
How I have limited you, O Loving Christ, in power & mystery!
O Jesus, you would
nurture my roots and strengthen me
to bear fruit to your glory, but I cannot stand
the smell of Manure so I satisfy myself with stunted growth.
I have limited and rejected you, I confess.
You invite me
to dip my toes into ocean foam
and to allow the undertow’s rhythm to reorient
my perspective, but I much prefer dry land to the vast Ocean.
I have turned away from you, I know.
You encourage
saying, “This way,” and delight my soul
with possibilities, but I see that the Door is narrow
and have I told you how good the food is around here?
I have preferred extra pounds to svelte faith.
Ah Brooding Hen, Sweet Manure!
O Vast Ocean, Narrow Door!
Expand my sense of you.
Deepen the mystery
of my faith.
Amen.
http://marciglass.com/2013/02/16/lent-prayer-day-4/
Thanks for the great prompt.
Thanks for sharing your link, Marci!
I like the gathering. The finding of shelter, the safety of home or other place where I am enclosed, embraced, protected. It’s harder to be dispersed, to allow the wind to send me out, high and strong, to feel like a seed riding the invisible air currents. I’ve never surfed the waves – it looks too scary, but maybe you would have? Maybe you would have launched out with laughter and you dare us to have a go and see where it takes us?
Launching out with laughter: a lyrical, bold vision!
Jesus
Son of the Most High God
brilliant warmth
as the sun
illuminating
the darker places
of this post-Eden planet
Seeking Your Light
I push back the darkness
*basking in the Sun’s radiance*
Thanks, Juanita!
Rachel, I love this prayer! Especially, “oh sweet manure!”
I mean that seriously—it’s a wonderful, earthy, rich image that says so much.
Thanks, Karla!
16 February 2013
Rain falls as love, dear Jesus
In small drops before pouring down
Reminding me you Living Water
My Living Water
Quenching my skin then my thirst,
Filling my soul
Mingled with my tears before turning them into joy,
Washing me clean in love.
Thank you.
Amen