Prayer: poem and a pondering...

I prayed for strength, and then I lost awhile
All sense of nearness, human and divine;
The love I leaned on failed and pierced my heart,
The hands I clung to loosed themselves from mine;
But while I swayed, weak, trembling, and alone,
The Everlasting Arms upheld my own.

I prayed for light; the sun went down in clouds,
The moon was darkened by a misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears,
And all my little candle flames burned out;
But while I sat in shadow, wrapped in night,
The face of Christ made all the darkness bright.

I prayed for peace, and dreamed of restful ease,
A slumber free from pain, a hushed repose;
Above my head the skies were black with storm,
And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes;
But while the battle raged, and wild winds blew,
I heard His voice and perfect peace I knew.

I thank you, Lord, you were too wise to heed
My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought,
Since these rich gifts your bounty has bestowed
Have brought me more than all I asked or thought;
Giver of Good, so answer each request
With your own giving, better than my best.

- Annie Johnson Flint

When the Lord Jesus prayed in HIS agony, alone in that dark garden, he voiced the longing of his heart - "if there be any other way...". But he didn't leave it there. He bowed himself to the God of all, saying, "Nevertheless, not my will but yours".
Oh, the release in being able to do more than simply wish and hope - the rising freedom in being able to say, "Even so, father, for so it seemed good in your sight."

I, too, have tasted bitter and sweet from the hand of Yahweh. Let all who hear me know that end of the bitter is a lasting sweet. I will thank him for my bitterness! He is altogether lovely.

O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
(Psalm 30:2,11)