Lament: Was That You, Lord?
By Robert Parker (1924-2004)
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. —Psalm 121:1–2 NRSV
Concern sweeps the cluttered rooms of my mind
Yearning, I search for you, my God.
Words, voices, notes of a singing heart
well up as an overflowing spring, and,
momentarily, the least-ness is washed away.
Was that you, Lord?
Recurring concern strews its cares
across the floors of my soul.
Turning, upsetting fancies known,
I scan each place searching for you.
With narrowed eye, I view the cheery flip
of childish hand, hear the treble voice
intone my name, glimpse the chortling smile
Eyes lit with the fires of friendship
And I wonder, is this you, God?
Scripture read, wisdom of sages before
sketching human realization
of God’s movement in their lives
And again I marvel
what words would be mine?
I’m still looking, God.
Someday I shall realize
I have met you and heard your voice
And I am content for a short time
knowing it is you.
Prayer for Peace
Do you wonder, God, why we can’t find you when you are in plain sight? Does it surprise you we sometimes don’t see Christ in other people? Are you disappointed we don’t do all we can for peace? Thank you for your forgiving Spirit.
Spiritual Practice
The psalms are prayers of honesty and trust. The psalmist trusts God’s presence in times of fear and failure, joy and plenty, growth and change. Write a short psalm-prayer expressing to God the truth about your physical, emotional, and spiritual state. Or rewrite a Psalm that speaks to you using your own words. What are your deepest feelings, longings, and needs? What prayer of praise, intercession, or petition flows from you as you consider your life and the life of God’s world?
Peace Covenant
Today, God, when I wonder if it is you, I’ll remember it probably is.
