"Negligence" (sonnet)

Dear Lord, we both know I don’t pray enough.

I get distracted, or I just forget.

Don’t get me wrong, Lord--You know I regret

Ignoring You, but making time is tough.

No. You know that’s not true. I’m just afraid

Of what would happen if I talked to You

Because You’d talk back, and then what would I do?

No more excuses. All my cards are played.

I think I’m ready. Go ahead and tear

The scales off of my eyes, so I can see

My negligence and beg You honestly

For grace that’s almost more than I can bear.

Lord, make me humble, wash me clean again.

Please hear my prayer in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Poem: Psalm 43

My God, You have heard me, so why won’t you speak for me?

Vindicate, plead for me, bring down my enemies,

Cruel disguises, the men who abandon Your Word.

You are my stronghold, the one who will fight for me,

So why aren’t You fighting, Lord? Have you rejected me?

I go on mourning in blackness and walking in woe.

Send me your light, Lord, and rescue me faithfully.

Up to your mountain of holiness shepherd me;

There I will sing at the altar of God my delight.

Why are you downcast, my soul? Why so sad in me?

God is my hope, and I’ll praise Him eternally,

Singing forever to my Savior and Lord.

Psalm 43 (NIV)

1Vindicate me, my God,

   and plead my cause

   against an unfaithful nation.

Rescue me from those who are

   deceitful and wicked.

2 You are God my stronghold.

   Why have you rejected me?

Why must I go about mourning,

   oppressed by the enemy?

3 Send me your light and your faithful care,

   let them lead me;

let them bring me to your holy mountain,

   to the place where you dwell.

4 Then I will go to the altar of God,

   to God, my joy and my delight.

I will praise you with the lyre,

   O God, my God.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

   Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

   for I will yet praise him,

   my Savior and my God.