Poem/Prayer for Worship
by Thom Shuman

A Fragrant Offering

because we have preserved our joy
in manna jars
for the long winter of despair
and stored them in the dark corners of our soul,
       we have forgotten
       its gritty taste;

because we have
put a tight lid
on our grace
and put in the back  of the pantry,
       we have forgotten
       how it can tickle our noses;

because we are so busy
prattling pious platitudes
about the poor, the least, the lost,
       we ignore your words
        which anoint them
       as your children;

because we have
put up the shutters
and storm doors
to keep your future from sneaking in,
       we have missed
       the sweet breeze
        carrying your hope
       to us;

because we are
who we are,
      restore us, O God,
and make us
a fragrant offering
to the world.
 
(c) 2007  Thom M. Shuman

(Comments to Thom at tmshuman@fuse.net.)

http://www.occasionalsightings.blogspot.com
Greenhills Community Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio