Come to the Cross

I have a habit -- maybe it's a discipline -- of praying before our Wednesday night classes. I did that last night. This is not the prayer that I prayed, although it may be its essence.

The actual poem was inspired by the shadows in the picture to the left. I turned on the front lights in the sanctuary, and as I was walking down the aisle, I noticed these arrows -- shadows on the carpet, pointing to the altar. I wasn't sure if you would be able to see them. If not, click on the image; it will get bigger. I've also outlined one of them in aqua to try to make them more obvious. In real life, they were hugely apparent.

Pointing to the altar, the cross; pointing to God. Thanks to JtM for the phrase on Sunday, "Come to the cross" and the image of the altar rail area as a cross.


Oh, God, come by here.
Hear my prayer.

Are you sure that you've called the right person?
Are you sure?
To teach about prayer?
I'm far from an expert,
And I think I have much more to learn about prayer
before I could teach anyone about it.
Help me this evening, God.
Lead me.
Thank you that I am not teaching alone.
Lead Jeff.
I turn it over to you, God,
and ask you to care for each class member.
Help us, God.
Teach us, God.
Lead us, God.
I place it in your hands.

And God says,
Come to the cross.
Come to the source of grace.
Know that I will always help you.
Know that I will always sustain you.
You can do all things
Through me.
Come to the cross.
Come to me.

Oh, God, come by here.
Hear my prayer.

They're looking for dishtowels
In the kitchen, God.
Jim would know where they are,
but he's not here.
He's gone.
I never imagined this church without him.
I never imagined how much I would miss him.
I never imagined.
The only time I ever told him how much he meant to me
Was the night before he died.
I doubt he heard me.
I regret that.
Did he know?
Will you tell him?

And God says,
Come to the cross.
Come to the source of grace.
Know that I will always help you.
Know that I will always sustain you.
Nothing will separate
You from me.
Come to the cross.
Come to me.

Oh, God, come by here.
Hear my prayer.

So many tonight are sad.
Mourning.
Grieving.
More than me.
Harder than me.
Walk with them, God.
Comfort them.
It is with unending gratitude
That I thank you
For your timing
For your plans
For your Word
For your rainbows
For your promises
For you shadows on the floor.
Heal this church.
Give us life after death.
Carry us through without Jim.

And God says,
Come to the cross.
Come to the source of grace.
Know that I will always help you.
Know that I will always sustain you.
In me you will find
Everlasting life.
Come to the cross.
Come to me.

Come to the cross
Come to me.