Effectual Prayer

James 5:16-18

All the springs had dried and fields were barren;
neither dew nor rain—three years and more;
then Elijah prayed for showers from heaven,
staying on his knees till he was sure.

Soon a little cloud—just a little cloud
seemed to be the size of a man’s hand
in the western sky, granting from on high,
promise of refreshing to the land.

“Of like passions to us,” was the prophet;
this should give us courage to achieve.
God is still the same and we can trust Him
when we humbly call and then believe.

Ponder well the drought and ask the question,
was not sin the cause of failure there?
If your soul is parched and joy has vanished,
search your heart and go to God in prayer.

God is merciful and quick to pardon
when we own our sins and humbly bow;
He has made provision to forgive us
by the death of Christ on Calvary’s brow.

And my native land, for thee I’m praying;
how we need revival from above.
Strife and turmoil then will be averted;
souls will come to know the God of love.

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Published as Poem #52 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: accessed online, August 28, 2017

Our Sin Darkened Minds

I thought I knew the Lord
and served Him fairly well;
but one can be so sure
and still wind up in hell.

Our hearts, the Bible says,
are wicked at the core
and blind to what is right;
we sin, and ask for more.

Perhaps you don’t agree;
if so, I’m not surprised.
It simply proves the point
you’ve not yet reaized:

“None righteous—no, not one.”
However we’ve been trained,
we’ve all rebelled ’gainst God;
our character is stained.

And sad to say, God’s own,
make claims that may be bold,
but few e’er realize
how proud their hearts, and cold.

But here’s the good, good news:
when anyone complies,
God shows us who we are
and opens our blind eyes.

If repentant, we will bow.
He then applies the Blood
which cleanses us from sin,
then God declares us good!

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(Alternate title: "Actual Goodness")



Picture: depositphotos.com #67680841, standard license