This is the first poem I ever wrote for God.  I was at an Open Door Retreat in 1993 and we were asked to praise God in a way we did not usually use.  I chose poetry.  The first verse is the reason why I wrote (I am not sure why I included it in the poem and have never quite managed to find any other satisfactory opening verse – so there it is…), but the rest expresses my feelings at that time about my faith.  Twenty two years on and the wonder is still there.

Praise

Tonight, with verse I praise You, Lord

With meagre words and stumbling phrase

But with each word I here record

My adoration, love and praise

I raise Your Name above the earth

So all around me may be told

That You have loved me from my birth

As You did love those saints of old.

How can You love a girl like me

Who lets You down each day I live?

And yet You died to set me free

And all my sins You now forgive.

Lord Jesus, You are my dear friend.

You’re always there for me each day

And when my life draws to an end

You’ll take my hand and this will say:

Dear heavenly Father – she’s Your child

My sister and co-heir in love.

Please look on her with eyes so mild,

And welcome her to heaven above.

So then with wonder and with fears

I will await the voice of God,

Maybe with anguish and with tears

In trepidation of the rod.

But oh, what joy! Can this be true?

The Father cries – My dearest Son,

I see no sin – I see but You –

For this dear child, the battle’s won!

You died for her and now the light

That shines in glory from Your face

Hides all her sin. She has the right

To dwell with us here in this place.

Lord God, Your promises You keep

And I’ll adore You here and then

When I’m awake and when I sleep

You’re with me always – so Amen!