Part 4 in the series on “Newness”
I keep this poem-as-prayer nearby to return to whenever I am considering how – and even if – I am enacting God’s new creation in His world.
Thanks to the poet Joe Seremane (South African politician, activist and veteran of the struggle against apartheid) for being care-full of what we ask.
You asked for my hands,
That you might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them,
For the work was hard.
You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes
To see the pain of poverty.
I closed them, for I did not want to see.
You asked for my life,
That you might work through me.
I gave a small part, that I might not get too involved.
Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you –
Only when it is convenient for me to do so,
Only in those places where it is safe to do so,
And only with those who make it easy to do so.
Father, forgive me,
Renew me, send me out
As a usable instrument,
That I might take seriously
The meaning of your cross. Amen.
Lover of God, happy wife, mama to 4, writer, teacher, author of 
Beautiful and so very convicting. May we not shrink back! ( Hebrews 10: 38-39)
Yes, Donielle. Thanks!
Thank you for this, Carolyn. The fear of failure for me keeps me shackled and not as productive as I believe the Lord is calling me to be. Fear does that. But there should be no fear in the gospel. :-) Thank you for reminding me.
The weight of the world’s need can feel so paralyzing. Yet right in our own sphere of influence is where we can begin. There is poverty of soul all around us and even in our own households. We must remember that we in our selves are not the savior, but we, being in our Savior, and His Spirit in us, can labor with Him and in His strength to bring His re-creation to bear. As the lyrics from “Jesus Loves Me” remind us, “We are weak, but He is strong.” Yes, Jesus loves me.
I think we tend to forget the reminder of hope we can be even to those very near. Thanks, Karen.
We all need reminding, as your beautiful writing does for me, Luma. Thanks for being here!
Beautiful, I have never read this before.
It is printer worthy. :)
I love that bar of merit! You’re a delight, Brenda.
That really captures it. It seems easier to go forth in courage after someone I respect has shared his or her weakness. Anyone else feel that way? Thank you for sharing it!
So true. It’s about how we handle our weaknesses that makes us strong, and makes us encourage others, I have found in those examples which have spoken to me.
Called to be faithful, not successful…this is what I am reminded by this…examination of conscience? With gratitude ~
Good distinction. And faithful IS successful …
O Lord, have mercy! Skewered much?? thank you for this one, Caro. Going in my ‘memorable quotes’ document, that is for certain sure.
I know I love it, too. Especially the last line. Rings home every time.
Oh my. That certainly hits home. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks, Leigh! The sharing makes it come more alive.
Oh my goodness. I’ve got some work to do. Thank you for this.
So glad to see you here (and at Wheaton!) Shelly! God bless!
Oh Caro. Thank you. Merciful conviction .Repentance. Kindness leading us. I will save it too.
I love that phrase “merciful conviction.” So true.
Thanks for the encouragment and spur! It brought Roman 6:8 to mind.
yes, thanks David
Carolyn, what a beautiful prayer! Needed that today!
Thanks, Margaret. Me too
How often I’ve cried out in my soul’s puny voice for opportunities to open my mouth and be a trumpet to others and feared man instead of God, even after knowing that He’d always back me up by his omnipotent hand. I’ve learned that it is ego that keeps me from being his disciple. Thank you for being a Sweet voice for His voice that we can’t always distinguish.
Blessings Carolyn
Deborah
So, so true about ego. was just thinking about that this morning. Blessings to you too, Deborah
So encouraging. To have courage. To rest. To trust God to do the heavy lifting and know that He’s in control. Journal worthy poem.
Yes, journal worthy indeed. I like that measurement of worthiness, Kathy!
I found the prayer-poem challenging particularly when he writes
“Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you –
Only when it is convenient for me to do so,”
I think it takes courage to step outside that perimeter. I can see needs and use my hands and feet for God in Canada; I wonder if I would have Joe’s courage in a possible violent situation. I marvel at people like him , Gladys Aylward in China and men and women who speak out today about human rights. I found his final words touching too as I seek renewal particularly in Lent. I even wrote a song based on psalm 51 which asked, “Create in me a new new heart, O Lord. Renew me.” So you see I found the prayer wonderful. Thank you from me ,a lay reader in the Anglican Church. I blog too but not much!