The Light of Christ's Love: Lord, Help. Father, Help.

The sun shone dim, today,
bowed before the brilliance of its Maker.

Radiant halo--resplendent, rainbowed hues--a reverberant praise;
an humble adoration echoing honor to the unapproachable light,
the glory of our Master, our Savior. Our King.

Do you smile, Lord, to see us longing in awestruck wonder--
yearning for deeper, wider fellowship with You?
...longing to know the heights and the breadth of Your love?

And, oh, that You would now encompass all!,
and we would be breathless, reverent--
rejoicing, to enter Your eternal embrace!

You drove out the darkness, Lord.
It faltered, fleeing before You--
dumbstruck in terror of Your majesty, Your might.
Power belongs to You, it's been said--It's truth: You reign.

Supreme.

Setting captives free, Lord--
Jesus, You've done this.
Again and again, You do this.

For the sake of Your love.
Your sweet mercy--Your blessed grace.

Your portion awaits You, Lord--striving onward,
burning hearts turned to love You more deeply, by the day.
Longing that others would seek You, find You, know You.
Before it's too late.

Oh, Lord. Master. Savior.
Teacher. Friend.
Let Your name be glorified!

Please empty us, Lord--fashion these vessels to do Your will,
to bear Your light to the world You created to save.
And, oh, let us rejoice in suffering, glorify You through persecutions,
and humbly give You praise to find ourselves despised of men,
maligned for Your name's sake!

Please teach us to rejoice when You deem us worthy to suffer and be slighted, guide us in continually surrendering all--always, please lead us to praise!

And, Lord--beloved Master--teach us to submissively serve
even as You had done!

Precious Jesus--dearest Shepherd--help us to know Your voice.
Help us to hear You more clearly.
Strike out the cacophonous noise.

Cleanse us of what doesn't please You.
Keep us humble and joyful, dear Lord.

And in the midst of darkest night--
deepening, still, with confusion and malice on all sides
awaiting any moment, opportune, to strike--
Lord, hold our hands, shield our hearts and minds.

Let us feel the warmth of Your embrace, dear Lord.
Oh, Lord!
Help us weather these storms,
with terror pressing in on every side,
yet Your peace unwavering, despite.

And forgive us for faltering, Abba. Father.
We are reckless children, so often reaching for poison
rather than trusting Your word, seeking You first.

Please forgive us.

We are due discipline. We are due chastisement, Father.
Help us to learn from what You've given.
Open our eyes to what we've done.

And we don't deserve such mercy.
But for the sake of Your love and great grace--
even as You have given Yourself to extend--

Have mercy on us, Jesus.
Have mercy on us, Dearest Friend.

We are wretched and blind.
Hemmed in by storms and droughts.
Death and wickedness abound.

So, please help us to seek You.
Deliver us--not for our sakes, but for the sake of Your love.
For the sake of Your sacrifice.
For the sake of what is due You.
For we are Yours to command, as You will and are wont.

We are Yours, for better or worse.
We are Yours, beyond time.

So, dearest Lord, have mercy.

Direct our steps.
Cleanse Your people, purify Your bride.
Even as You have done, then let it be done.

Yes, let us walk resplendent in the light of Your love,
purified by that fire which never ceases.
For You are our God. You are our consuming fire.

So, consume us, Lord.
Let us long for You, above all.

Your will, Father, be done.
May Your will be done.