I wrote this prayer several years ago but I know some folks right now who might find some comfort and consolation in these words and in Marty Haugen’s hauntingly beautiful song…
Oh, the things I remember, Lord,
– and the things I can’t seem to forget…
How is it, Lord,
Why do painful memories dog my days
while joyful times slip quickly
from my mind, my heart, my grasp?
Do you remember my pain, Lord?
Do you remember my joy?
Do you remember me?
I hope, I pray,
for if ever you forgot me,
if I ever slipped your mind,
– I would simply cease to be…
But you do remember my pain, Lord,
you always seek to heal me;
and you do recall my every joy,
all I am and shall become…
and every pain and every joy
is hid in Christ, our only hope,
Protect us, Lord, while we’re awake
and watch over us as we sleep
that awake, we may keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Amen.
God remembers pain
nail by nail, thorn by thorn,
hunger, thirst and muscles torn.
Time may dull our grief
and heal our lesser wounds
but in eternal love yesterday is now
and pain is in the heart of God.
God remembers joy
touch of love, taste of food
all our senses know is good.
Love and life flow by
and precious days are gone
but in eternal love every day is now
and joy is in the heart of God.
God remembers us
all we were, all we are
lives within our Lover’s care.
Time may dull our minds
and death will take us all
but in eternal love every life is now:
our life is hid with Christ in God.
