A Prayer Before the Word

Here is another poem by Phil Nelson. It was written as he prepared to study the Word of God... We pray that it may touch your heart as it has his...


A Prayer Before the Word

In my heart, oh God, may Your Word, there, richly dwell
     that in my life - with distinction - one may clearly tell:
Your ways, my feet therein do surely walk;
     and in the face of danger, I might never balk.
But Your rich grace and mercy do I freely declare,
     for it is my aid and keeps my feet from every snare.
Your Word, all my doubts and fears do fully quell,
     Your Righteous Way does keep my soul from Hell.
Oh God, in your mercy, guide this man with weakened frame,
     that his overcoming would only be by Thy great Name.
And by Thy grace, from your Word he did not depart,
     but rather, he did study and seek You with all his heart.
And so do I return to my humble prayer mentioned at first...
     For Your Word, oh Lord, does my heart hunger and thirst!