Forgiveness – Woodsmoke and Cardamom

Communion

by Lucy M. Young

When I entered the sanctuary
I was burdened with sadness and guilt;
I'd been angry, impatient, uncaring,
All day my resentment had built.

It was quiet and peaceful, soft-lighted.
I sat with my head bowed in shame.
I confessed my sins to my Saviour,
Asked forgiveness in His precious Name.

Then I prayed for love and compassion
Toward those who had crossed me that day.
"Forgive and forget," was His message,
"I'll walk with you all the way."

The table was set by the altar;
I approached it with reverence and prayer.
The bread and the cup sanctified me,
I felt safe and secure in His care.

I knew that my sins were forgiven;
Peace descended on me like a dove.
My burden of guilt had been lifted,
He had answered my prayers with His love.

Blessings

by Lucy M. Young

My mind is wandering this morning, Lord.
I want to talk to You
But my heart is troubled,
And random thoughts keep interfering
With what I want to say.

But I do want to thank You
For the many blessings You have showered upon me.
I thank you, Lord, that I can see and hear and feel
The beauties of Your world:
The stars and moon by night,
The sun by day;
For gentle showers,
Ripping, tearing thunder storms;
For sheltering trees and lovely fragrant flowers,
The songs of birds.
I thank You also for the love of friends and family,
But most of all for Your forgiving love
That makes it possible
For me to make a new beginning every day.

Whenever I'm depressed, dear Lord,
And nothing seems worthwhile,
I'll think about the many blessings You have given me
And know that I am fortunate indeed.

Dear Lord, Forgive Me

by Lucy M. Young

For all the bad mistakes I've made,
For all the thoughtless words I've said,
For all the selfish prayers I've prayed,
Dear Lord, forgive me.

For taking Your precious name in vain,
For failing to see another's pain,
For working selfishly for gain,
Dear Lord, forgive me.

For questioning Your perfect will, 
For arguing when I should be still,
For failing some heart with joy to fill,
Dear Lord, forgive me.

For all my errant, sinful ways,
For wasted hours and empty days,
For angry thoughts and vengeful ways,
Dear Lord, forgive me.

For sins of which I'm unaware,
For pain I've caused someone to bear,
For ignorance, negligence, lack of care,
Dear Lord, forgive me.