Pilgrim Soldier

We’re slowly getting through the packing as we have just over two weeks before the removal men arrive to take our stuff back to England. As part of this Zoe was going through a chest of drawers last week sometime and found a couple of old prayer journals. The one of mine she found was actually from 2000 and contained my journals from when we came out to Latvia for a two week ‘holiday’ so that I could see why she had fallen in love with the country.

As I read through it the memories came back and I remembered just how sure I was that coming to Latvia was God’s plan for our future. Now we face the end of this part of our ministry, and I look forward with anticipation for the next stage of my ministry in Godalming.

When I put this particular journal together I had received a prayer card from Jubilee Campaign, for what I can’t remember now, but as I read the words again this morning they sank home once more. Once again I find myself identifying with the illustration of human failure that is contained within these 6 short verses. Once again I find myself praying the words of the final 2 verses!

You asked for my hands
That I might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment then withdrew them for
the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes
To see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life
That you might work through me.
I gave you a small part that I might not get too involved.

Lord forgive me my efforts to serve you
Only when it is convenient for me to do so
Only in places where it is safe to do so, and
Only with those who make it easy to do so.

Father, forgive me
Renew me
Send me out
As a usable instrument
That I might take seriously the meaning of your cross.

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