Don’t let the ensuing down-drop
prove a dampener
from pressing on.

In God’s economy this may yet be
a divinely appointed forerunner
that paves the way
for the real thing
to come to pass:


















 

for in much the same way that
no one could predict what a tomato would look
like from its seed,
so
“what you sow does not come to life
until it dies.”
 

Give special grace to those who are finding the ridge
between theory and practice too steep a gap to bridge.









 

Shake their spirits free from all such impositions,
and grant the ability to move beyond all critical noise
to hear the inner promptings and "well done!" of Christ.

So few are willing to risk much for You,
yet still they wonder why so little is accomplished;
bless those who are prepared to risk much more
for love of the Crucified.

As You lead them far beyond the beaten track
to interact with people’s pains and pleasures,
their feet may well be pierced
by the thorns that fall from Your crown of thorns.
as they too find themselves a spectacle
before men and angels alike.
 

‘Tomorrow has two possible routes:
the path that is fear’s own sphere
and the green swathes of Godly faith.






 

Help us resist the chant of the Fearings,
for when our heart is conquered by Your beauty
we will achieve much, simply because You ask for all.
 

When the enemy tells you that things will not work out,
and that you will never achieve anything worthwhile –
or, if that tack doesn’t work,
that you have done quite enough
and thoroughly deserve
to rest from all your labours.

refuse the temptation to swing to either extreme,
and pray for endurance to take the next step forward






 

and then the one after,
always just a little farther
until breakthrough comes
and all becomes clear.





 

Bless those who refuse to allow the powers of darkness
challenge their stance,
so that they do not find the heat too intense
and turn and snap at us,
 ‘the staff we have been leaning on
splintering and piercing our hand.’






but rather resisting,
overcoming,
and staying true
to the very last.