Prayers with Old John

Prayers with Old John Offered by Doug Blair, Waterloo ON, 2020

Out for a walk

In autumn splendour

Night turning cold

But whispering tender.

Blocks quickly pass

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And households tucked in

John at his window

His wave his grin.

Often a chat

As he works

On his yard

Widower long

Ruth and cancer

Took hard

Scarcely a hint

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Of aught amiss

Bible and prayer time

His frequent bliss.

Waves me on in

And quick to the door.

News to be shared

Of neighbours and more

Not at all gossip

But helpful ways sought.

We bow our heads

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In spirited thought.

So natural you see

John takes the lead

Partners with me.

We praise intercede.

Topics abound

As our Father

Draws near

Nothing of form

Or of posturing here.

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Mercy comes down

As the words

Richly flow.

We have held Church

In John’s den

Don’t you know.

http://histocall.blogspot.com/2020/09/seated-with-him.html

Commonality of Clutter We have it…every one

The thought that likes to run

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To yet another disparate space

Leaving peace and prayer small place.

But persevere and let the balm

Of thanksgiving come near

You have a past with rescues and delight

Visit there and soothe your restless night.

God of course must visit at your call

Tell Him of the mess, yes tell it all

His very presence starts the turnaround

Sweet confidence and fellowship are found.

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The Power of Thanks I know where lies the answer

To make glooms flee away

Remembering past rescues.

The sunrise fresh each day.

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My God so grandly visits

This gnat of small design

And thrills me with His presence

And whispers Hope Divine.

It starts with my thanksgiving

Perhaps not choosing much

But growing with each memory

And laughter at His touch.

The Friend Close By ​He shakes His head

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But keeps alert

He loves me so

Knows I am hurt

Knows I have moved

With common sense

But this mess proves

Much more than tense.

If I had only paused

In prayer

And given thanks

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For all His care

Some helpful signs

Just might have come

To foil the threats

To see them done.

But even now I can repent

Go back a ways

See what He meant.

He is so close

Seems more this time

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And rescue comes

In ways sublime.

I am His child

The blessed thought

The Grace, the Glory

Sure, blood-bought.

Psalm 84

10 F ​ or

a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.

I would rather ​[g​ ]​ b ​ e a doorkeeper in the house of my God

Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

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11 ​For

the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold

From those who walk uprightly.

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