words prayed over and over
fondled each night, often more
like smooth beads on a string.
strength, truth, peace
does saying them over and over
make them more powerful?
make you closer? happier?
safety, all kinds, all places
or does God pay more attention
when said fewer, syllables treasured
like fresh pearls, few and gleaming?
knowledge, of yourself and truth
He tells us to ask, and ask again
so must not get tired of hearing
my desperate liturgy.
opportunities to seek, courage to take them
I’m sure He’d remember, even if my words
slowed or ceased
although I know they won’t.
hope that no paths end, that nothing is impossible
my heart demands, aching
longing, fearing, hoping
that the silent words continue.
certainty that I am still here, that God loves you
even when my tired soul must
shorten its petition to the lullaby
my childhood knew so well:
may the Lord bless you and keep you…