A Year of Prayer: Season One Weekday DevotionalsSample

This week, we will explore different elements of the scripture through poetry.

If ever I’m tempted to show smug appraisal –
At life’s rich estate or the things I possess,
I’ll bear quickly to mind how my saviours sweet gaze will
Level all as great loss ‘cept his pure righteousness.
If ever I’m lured into fat satisfaction
As flattering lips frame approval of me –
I’ll remember my Lord – how he charged me to action
To love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with Thee.

If ever the fences of my heart go untended,
Giving looseness to reign and weakness makes heist –
I’ll seek out my King till there is nothing offensive
In me, for all thoughts are brought captive to Christ.
If ever on watch, I sink into torpor
And my slumber unguarded lets injustice flourish
I’ll call on the Lord to awake me from stupor
To bring freedom for captives and to the weak: courage.
If ever I allow the Tempter to proffer
Delusions of strength and my own mighty throne
I’ll recall that in all that this world has to offer
None can compare with whom for Heaven is home.

Ever I fear I need bear these eidolons
False station, false kingdoms – a crown for all this!
Yet I stand in this land on Christ’s full salvation
For else, there’s just sand – and Ozymandias.

Prayer: Jesus, let me be humble enough to hear your mercy and call for grace. Let me be brave enough to act in the ways you ask for of me.

Action: Write a short poem of your own, reflecting on Micah 6:8.