Pray and Be Wise

Lectionary Reading

Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 82
Colossians 4:2-18
Luke 12:32-40

Tithe Poem

No Mere Ordering of Words | Colossians Series 7

...Prayer is more
than an order of words, the conscious occupation
of the praying mind, or the sound of the voice praying.

T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding,” Four Quartets

Pray to shape the human heart,  
  bent outward, a vessel pouring forth in fixed desire
  after God’s gift glance.
Pray to batter the door, fist fracturing,
  wrestling blessing, O Sleeper, awake!
Pray to gain warmth in the winter of our discontent,
  sought once again, draw near,
  a shawl wrapped close about.
Pray to watch, keep watch, keep vigil, wait up with me,
  one hour, but one hour with me.
Pray to listen, hear, receive, and inwardly digest;
  to point, as the poet, to the brim-full, overflow,
  beauty runneth over; proclaiming witness,
  those far off brought near,
  salvation for all who seek it; 
  don’t you seek it? gain before it is gone.
Pray Christ, to speak with His salt, seasoned to invite,
  to comfort, to the great feast of lovers
  to partake of Him, all in all,
  the greatest gift longed for,
  impoverished no more.