I just want to say
about that
other man
that died today
(Have mercy on his soul)
He wasn’t anyone
I knew
He was
half a world away
caught up in a dark
dark world
died
at the hands
of merciless men
I realized
there is nothing less
than a soul
with no compassion
for the helpless
That dignity
inhabits humanity
to the last
breath
that murder
sees the image of God
as worthless
And it makes me
wish I knew him
makes me
wish I could
bear testimony
to his humanity
however frail
And it makes me
feel ashamed
that every day
I am
walking past them
walking past men
stepping over Lazarus
(Have mercy on my soul)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Always in the Garden
What must You think
when you see how he makes me
doubt me,
makes me
doubt You?
Every day is like the first day
I am
paralyzed by the knowledge
And
I am always in the garden
falling
You formed,
prepared,
equipped me
But
just a little lie
can make me doubt me
can make me doubt You
You set me on the solid Rock
how can it be that
I am always in the garden
doubting?
So nothing's changed
I guess
it was always
all about
trust
Maggie Rayner
when you see how he makes me
doubt me,
makes me
doubt You?
Every day is like the first day
I am
paralyzed by the knowledge
And
I am always in the garden
falling
You formed,
prepared,
equipped me
But
just a little lie
can make me doubt me
can make me doubt You
You set me on the solid Rock
how can it be that
I am always in the garden
doubting?
So nothing's changed
I guess
it was always
all about
trust
Maggie Rayner
Friday, August 20, 2010
Frozen Tag
I remember you
running
arms outstretched
in the cool of a summer’s eve
poised between the threat of capture
and the joy
of freeing your friends
how you loved to
run under their arms
so they could
run
too
You always knew
life was a game
played in the space between
hope and despair
and I’ve see the way you love
poised between the weight of doubt
and the joy
of freeing your friends
how you share
a touch, a prayer
so they can
love
too
Maggie Rayner
running
arms outstretched
in the cool of a summer’s eve
poised between the threat of capture
and the joy
of freeing your friends
how you loved to
run under their arms
so they could
run
too
You always knew
life was a game
played in the space between
hope and despair
and I’ve see the way you love
poised between the weight of doubt
and the joy
of freeing your friends
how you share
a touch, a prayer
so they can
love
too
Maggie Rayner
Friday, August 13, 2010
Strange Comfort
I found him
hiding in a dark place
curled up against hard truths
He found strange comfort
here
I saw him close his eyes
lulled to sleep
by soft lies
and echoes
of his nature
He found strange peace
here
He’d been dining with the devil
feasting on pain and anger
gorged yet
never satisfied
he gnawed the bones of disappointment
until there was
nothing left
He found no satisfaction
here
I saw grace dancing
just outside the darkness
singing
come play with me
But asleep
he can not hear
filled with bitterness
drunk with pride
dreaming the dreams of the dead
he sleeps
hiding in a dark place
curled up against hard truths
He found strange comfort
here
I saw him close his eyes
lulled to sleep
by soft lies
and echoes
of his nature
He found strange peace
here
He’d been dining with the devil
feasting on pain and anger
gorged yet
never satisfied
he gnawed the bones of disappointment
until there was
nothing left
He found no satisfaction
here
I saw grace dancing
just outside the darkness
singing
come play with me
But asleep
he can not hear
filled with bitterness
drunk with pride
dreaming the dreams of the dead
he sleeps
by Maggie Rayner
end of time
When you see a drop of water
just about to fall
from a leaf do you think
It was put there just for
you?
(Of all mankind
the only witness
to this moment?)
Everywhere
I see joy-shaped halves
that fit the mysterious need for Him
in my heart
There are depths so deep
and heights so high
pain so sharp
and love so real
Who but God
could hold the world and all within it?
Let the darkness come
I am not afraid
anymore
When I think of you
(all of you)
born in this time with me
brought
to some same
place
through circumstances
too unlikely to grasp
where our lives have
touched I think
You were put here just for me
Everywhere
I see joy-shaped halves
that fit the mysterious need for Him
in my heart
And it makes me want to
walk with you a while
in this time
made for us before all time
before
the end
before the
end of time
by Maggie Rayner
just about to fall
from a leaf do you think
It was put there just for
you?
(Of all mankind
the only witness
to this moment?)
Everywhere
I see joy-shaped halves
that fit the mysterious need for Him
in my heart
There are depths so deep
and heights so high
pain so sharp
and love so real
Who but God
could hold the world and all within it?
Let the darkness come
I am not afraid
anymore
When I think of you
(all of you)
born in this time with me
brought
to some same
place
through circumstances
too unlikely to grasp
where our lives have
touched I think
You were put here just for me
Everywhere
I see joy-shaped halves
that fit the mysterious need for Him
in my heart
And it makes me want to
walk with you a while
in this time
made for us before all time
before
the end
before the
end of time
by Maggie Rayner
Hard to Get (by Rich Mullins)
You who live in heaven
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened by the hurt
Do you remember when You lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread
Did You forget about us after You had flown away
Well I memorized every word You said
Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath
While You're up there just playing hard to get
Do You who live in radiance
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin
We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was
Still we do love now and then
Did You ever know loneliness
Did You ever know need
Do You remember just how long a night can get?
When You are barely holding on
And Your friends fall asleep
And don't see the blood that's running in Your sweat
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted
While You're up there just playing hard to get?
And I know you bore our sorrows
And I know you feel our pain
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the One who loves me most
And after I figured this, somehow
All I really need to know
Is if You who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free of what we've left behind
I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret
I can't see how You're leading me unless You've led me here
To where I'm lost enough to let myself be led
And so You've been here all along I guess
It's just Your ways and You are just plain hard to get
Rich Mullins died before he could record this song. Phil Stacey does a lovely version of it that you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp7BOiT0L5o
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened by the hurt
Do you remember when You lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread
Did You forget about us after You had flown away
Well I memorized every word You said
Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath
While You're up there just playing hard to get
Do You who live in radiance
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin
We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was
Still we do love now and then
Did You ever know loneliness
Did You ever know need
Do You remember just how long a night can get?
When You are barely holding on
And Your friends fall asleep
And don't see the blood that's running in Your sweat
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted
While You're up there just playing hard to get?
And I know you bore our sorrows
And I know you feel our pain
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the One who loves me most
And after I figured this, somehow
All I really need to know
Is if You who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free of what we've left behind
I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret
I can't see how You're leading me unless You've led me here
To where I'm lost enough to let myself be led
And so You've been here all along I guess
It's just Your ways and You are just plain hard to get
Rich Mullins died before he could record this song. Phil Stacey does a lovely version of it that you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp7BOiT0L5o
doves & coos
your words are calm
your eyes are sad
your thoughts are startled birds
as you go about the room
sharing and listening
hoping for hope
amongst the light of the world
but there is no prayer
pain and trouble
I hear you say
doves and coos
they echo back
that’s such a shame
a friend’s been hurt
with broken bones
who has no faith
we listen
to your public grief
and give you
silence
your words are calm
your eyes are sad
your thoughts are startled birds
as you go about the room
sharing and listening
hoping for hope
amongst the light of the world
but there is no prayer
by Maggie Rayner
your eyes are sad
your thoughts are startled birds
as you go about the room
sharing and listening
hoping for hope
amongst the light of the world
but there is no prayer
pain and trouble
I hear you say
doves and coos
they echo back
that’s such a shame
a friend’s been hurt
with broken bones
who has no faith
we listen
to your public grief
and give you
silence
your words are calm
your eyes are sad
your thoughts are startled birds
as you go about the room
sharing and listening
hoping for hope
amongst the light of the world
but there is no prayer
by Maggie Rayner
September's Poem
Love,
sharpened to a perfect point in Christ
forged in the fires
of almighty joys and sorrows,
is aimed at my heart
While
a single note
high and true
hangs above my head like the sun in the sky
I cannot turn away.
My mind is running
(where would I hide?)
And
I understand whatever comes
is always His best
He waits
till I am sure
till I am still
Then
pierced by truth
I sway
unable to stand
He lifts my head
all is in ruin
all is made new
He
calls me to a place
so far beyond myself
He
guides my feet along the path
He knew I would take
all along.
My life,
sharpened to a perfect point in Christ,
carves a tiny line through time
making a pattern I’ve never seen
making a pattern that’s never been
Wrestling, battling, slipping, falling,
rising, praying, watching, waiting,
hoping, dreaming, laughing, crying
longing, joyful, victorious, dying.
by Maggie Rayner
sharpened to a perfect point in Christ
forged in the fires
of almighty joys and sorrows,
is aimed at my heart
While
a single note
high and true
hangs above my head like the sun in the sky
I cannot turn away.
My mind is running
(where would I hide?)
And
I understand whatever comes
is always His best
He waits
till I am sure
till I am still
Then
pierced by truth
I sway
unable to stand
He lifts my head
all is in ruin
all is made new
He
calls me to a place
so far beyond myself
He
guides my feet along the path
He knew I would take
all along.
My life,
sharpened to a perfect point in Christ,
carves a tiny line through time
making a pattern I’ve never seen
making a pattern that’s never been
Wrestling, battling, slipping, falling,
rising, praying, watching, waiting,
hoping, dreaming, laughing, crying
longing, joyful, victorious, dying.
by Maggie Rayner
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Faults
It is a blessing that the faults of a man, particularly a man as influential as Luther, should be obvious, so that we are not left guessing where they lay, or fall into false adoration of the man - worshipping the creature rather than the creator.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Book Review: Revival and Revivalism
Revival and Revivalism
by Iain H. Murray
This was not an easy read for me, but it was well worth the effort. Murray presents a detailed historical analysis of the "old school" revivals in early America. He examines the various factors that influenced evangelism during this period, including the pioneering spirit of the age, a lack of trained church leaders, and the tendency of men to take upon themselves the work and the credit which belong to God alone. The errors that slipped in to "methods" of evangelism during this period have profoundly affected the way the church approaches evangelism, even today.
By way of answering, "What makes a revival a true revival?" Murray gives practical insight into a wide variety of other topics. There are gemstones of quotes from various men, and excellent definitions of "church" and "Christian." Most importantly for me, Murray offered insight about the true evidences of the Holy Spirit at work in a congregation. He examines emotion and compulsion against discipline and reverence. It is a fascinating study.
This book has shown me how important correct doctrine is to correct thinking. It makes me want to have a better grasp of the fundamentals. If you aren't used to grappling with theological questions, this book will take some effort. But it is worth the effort.
by Iain H. Murray
This was not an easy read for me, but it was well worth the effort. Murray presents a detailed historical analysis of the "old school" revivals in early America. He examines the various factors that influenced evangelism during this period, including the pioneering spirit of the age, a lack of trained church leaders, and the tendency of men to take upon themselves the work and the credit which belong to God alone. The errors that slipped in to "methods" of evangelism during this period have profoundly affected the way the church approaches evangelism, even today.
By way of answering, "What makes a revival a true revival?" Murray gives practical insight into a wide variety of other topics. There are gemstones of quotes from various men, and excellent definitions of "church" and "Christian." Most importantly for me, Murray offered insight about the true evidences of the Holy Spirit at work in a congregation. He examines emotion and compulsion against discipline and reverence. It is a fascinating study.
This book has shown me how important correct doctrine is to correct thinking. It makes me want to have a better grasp of the fundamentals. If you aren't used to grappling with theological questions, this book will take some effort. But it is worth the effort.
A Holy Passion
O For a Closer Walk with God
from "Creation Sings" CD by Stuart Townend
O for a closer walk with God
A calm and heavenly frame
A light to shine upon the road
Leading to the lamb
Where is that blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is that soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?
O Fire of God come burn in me
Renew a holy passion
Till Christ my deepest longing be
My never-failing fountain
What peaceful hours I once enjoyed
How sweet the memory still
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill
O Fire of God...
The dearest idol I have know
Whate're that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee
So shall my walk be close with God
Calm and serene my frame
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb
O Fire of God...
(original hymn by William Cowper, 1731-1800)
Listen to a sample of this song here: http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/shop/albums-a-dvds/58-creation-sings-cd-a-dvd-extra (song #5)
from "Creation Sings" CD by Stuart Townend
O for a closer walk with God
A calm and heavenly frame
A light to shine upon the road
Leading to the lamb
Where is that blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is that soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?
O Fire of God come burn in me
Renew a holy passion
Till Christ my deepest longing be
My never-failing fountain
What peaceful hours I once enjoyed
How sweet the memory still
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill
O Fire of God...
The dearest idol I have know
Whate're that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee
So shall my walk be close with God
Calm and serene my frame
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb
O Fire of God...
(original hymn by William Cowper, 1731-1800)
Listen to a sample of this song here: http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/shop/albums-a-dvds/58-creation-sings-cd-a-dvd-extra (song #5)
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