evening prayer
I.
Enfold in your embrace, O Lord, the suffering and meek;
Be moved at heart by these our subtle trials here, we pray,
Who skirt with covered countenance the awful snare of dread;
Make strong, protect, and comfort those you like and those you don’t;
And unto both the living and the dead return your peace.
II.
Defend this house from all encircling vengeance, God;
And banish hateful memories and spiteful thoughts;
In mercy, save us from the terrors of the night;
Relieve the burdens of our tossing restless souls;
Keep watch at doorways; light a lamp upon the porch;
Be warmth against the cold; be shelter from the rain;
And as we rest beneath the moon, send us good dreams.
6 June 2020
III.
God of patient, slow, unfurling mystery, who stilled
The shaking in a small wood craft, the eyes rolling over white-
Capped waves, who whispered through the rain do not be afraid:
Still too the anxious beating of my heart, and stay
The lashing winds of worry, doubt, and fear; calm my mind.
IV.
God, weaver of the black and starry sky of night:
Just as you tore the curtain of old belief so tear from me
All anger, fear, and jealousy; O mend my faults
O mend my wrongs O clothe my life in cloth of shining gold;
And of my scattered ravelled thoughts, Lord, stitch thou a whole.