In response to all the Deviltry -- a simple little prayer

By Curtis Dahlgren

"STOP!" — William F. Buckley, Jr. (former Connecticut resident)

"He shall save them because they trust in Him." — Today With God (December 14th)

THE OLD BOOKS ARE THE BEST BOOKS. I have two prayer books written by 19th century pastors. Our aging hippies would consider them uncool, but those old preachers treated God like an adult — none of that "now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep" stuff. For example, here's an excerpt from the prayer for last Friday, 12/14/12 (day of the Sandy Hook shooting):

"Our heavenly Father, in Thee is food for all our hungers; light for all our gloom; tasks for all our energies. Bring strife to an end . . . Be our defense if we are threatened by evil forces, and when night falls, may we have the consciousness of Thy favor and the peace which passes understanding. Amen."

The first funerals were held on Monday, and here's the December 17 prayer, excerpted:

"Father, grant us the Comforter, that our worship may be purged from all unreality. Inspire Thou our petitions which Thou alone can answer . . . Awaken in us a sincere gratitude, that our cold hearts may be ready to praise Thee. With Thy help we would learn to pray without ceasing. Amen."

There will probably be more funerals today. Here's an excerpt from today's prayer, December 18th:

"Our Father Who art in Heaven, we call unto Thee because we have called before and Thou didst hear us. Come unto us, Lord, when all is dark, and when trouble weighs us down. Lift us up again, that we may praise Thee and smile in our hearts.

"Make us gentle with our loved ones; may we never give way to harsh words. Lord Jesus — Immanuel! — listen to our prayer; may we meet the Man of Sorrows now while we bend before Thee. Gather this little family about Thyself as doth the bird when the storms blows.

"Protect us in the hollow of Thy Hands, under the shadow of Thy Wings! Amen."

In conclusion, the words of the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Jerusalem:

"Look diligently lest any man fall from grace, lest any root of bitterness spring up and trouble you, and thereby many become defiled . . . "

P.S.

T'was the 14th of December, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through the gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending the day at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their Savior; the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

-Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA
(edited and forwarded with apologies by C. Dahlgren)

© Curtis Dahlgren