Monday Missive #20

A Poem: Bedtime Examen

The daylight is gone
The day is now done.
Will sleep now come?

Reflecting on this day;
All I had to say,
Going on my way.

Words that encourage?
Words that discourage?
Silence, not courage?

Did I not show love?
Think I was above?
With words did I shove?

In hubris and pride,
Arrogance inside,
Setting love aside?

Awake on my bed,
With thoughts in my head,
Wishing I could shred.

Lord, I can’t go back,
Relive and retract,
Actions where I lack.

Provide a safe place,
To show them Your face,
To speak in my place,
And extend sweet grace.

A Prayer:

Lord, thank you;
For showing me the scenery of my heart,
With all the dirt and debris.
Now, come and tend my inner garden.
Pull out the weeds and thorns,
No matter how much it hurts.
Gently nurture new shoots,
That they might grow strong and tall.
Water and refresh my soul,
With your tender affection. Amen

A Passage: For Refection

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalm 139:1-10 NLT)