Rage

Prayers for your children, O God!

You know exactly what it’s like to have

the life of someone you love threatened.

When we’re the ones feeling the cold chill

of cancer’s senseless insistence,

putting death on speed-dial

as if it doesn’t matter to anyone,

we must rage in your presence.

We must cry out in

anger, disbelief, and fear.

We must beg for healing, wholeness,

and courage for the journey

that lies before us.

Give us the courage to do it

honestly with you because you are

the one whose love for us is so pure

and unconditional, and our honesty

intensifies our comprehension of your love;

because not being honest with you

may cause us to unleash that rage

on someone else we love,

and hurting another person we love

is exactly what we DON’T need right now.

Hold us – hold these dear ones –

in your strong but tender hand, O God,

and let them feel the comfort of your promise

as these storm clouds try

to frighten them out of your presence. Amen.

© 2012 Todd Jenkins