Great Poetry

    A SINNER'S PRAYER

        Dear Lord, I have sinned against You
             I deserve hell knowingly
        I believe you died in my place
                To pay my penalty

          Please be merciful to me a sinner
               And save me, I pray
          I trust you as my Lord and Savior
          And commit my life to You this day

Amen

SING! FOR I AM WITH YOU
Words by Bob Laing

(Chorus):
Sing! For I with you,
Let the music flow within you.
Sing! For I am with you,
I am there.

You can feel My gentle presence when I'm there, when I'm there.
You can feel My gentle presence when I'm there, when I'm there.
You can feel My gentle presence,
You can feel My gentle presence,
You can feel My gentle presence when I'm there.

(Chorus)

When two or more are gathered I am there, I am there.
When two or more are gathered I am there, I am there.
When two or more are gathered,
When two or more are gathered,
You can feel My gentle presence, I am there.

(Chorus)

When you're praying in the closet, I am there, I am there.
When you're praying in the closet, I am there, I am there.
When you're praying in the closet,
When you're praying in the closet,
When you're praying in the closet, I am there, I am there.

(Chorus)

There is peace and love and power when I'm there, when I'm there.
There is peace and love and power when I'm there, when I'm there.
There is peace and love and power when I'm there,
There is peace and love and power when I'm there,
It is with you every hour when I'm there, when I'm there.

(Chorus)

(Words by Bob Laing, music by you)

THE CHRIST APPEARS
by Bertha V. Laing - July 1961

In deep communion with the Holy One,
A sacred thought, conceived in pure surrender
Took form, and on a special day came forth.
And lay in glorious splendor
Close to the mother heart that gave it birth.
She kept Him wrapped in joy and happy hope;
Protected from the forces and the elements
Of fear and doubt, and harm from wordly things.

So - He grew in love and understanding, wise yet humble
And breathed the breath of Life to those who heard.
He healed the sick and gave them hope and joy.
And many came into His presence rare.
This is the life He could have lived in vain,
But from His heart was torn all bitterness and strife.
And love divine, well seasoned with discerning grace remained
To bless and help those not yet lifted to that high estate.

This Is Your Day
by Bertha V. Laing - July 1961

In it is peace and joy immeasurable.
Since you the Holy Spirit do embrace
Through endless nights and Soul filled days;
Surrending to God in all your ways.
Such unselfed love from Christ within
In wisdom rare, and all may come to hear and share.
And find release from endless doubts, and fears and care.

Oh! May the Spirit evermore be near to thrill
You who so humbly seek to do His will.
The workers still are few, and He has chosen you.
You have guarded well this gift bestowed on you,
Dear friend, - Indeed this is your Day.

The Key
by Bertha V. Laing

All that I craved belonged to me,
God held the gifts and I the key.
He held them, waiting my command,
and yet I would not understand.
Impatience and discontent,
Full many a wasted year was spent.
I cried, "How cruel is the fate
That bids me work and weep and wait -
For things which make life worth the living
Nor rob the giver in the giving!
A little joy, a little wealth,
Result from toil, abundant health;
A chance to do, and chance to be" -

And then I looked and found the key;
Right in my heart I carried it,
Divinely fashioned, formed to fit
The lock of God's great reservoir
Which held the things I hungered for;
The key was love - pure gold acrust
With glittering gems of faith and trust.
It fits all doors, it turns all locks;
It leads the way through walls and rocks;
It lifts all bolts, unbars the gate,
And shows us where life's treasures wait,
Oh! are there heights thy feet would press,
Seek love, the key to all success.

Confession
by Bob Laing

Father, You alone are Holy,
You, Creator of all things.
Father, You alone are perfect
As each star in Heaven sings.

Look upon me, Your unfaithful,
Disobedient in all my ways;
Ever searching, ever longing
Self-satisfaction all my days.

Failing, Father, I beg for mercy
On this sinful heart of mine.
Fill me Father, with forgiveness,
Fill me with your Spirit Divine.

I beg You Father, use the sacrifice
Of Your Holy Son You Made.
Let His blood wash and cleanse me,
His broken body for mine be paid.

Then shall I be freed from torture,
Freed from guilt so heavily pressed;
Then shall I glory in Your worship,
Then shall I finally be free to rest.

Let me go where the Shepherd leads me.
Let me always hear His voice.
Let me be content to follow,
Let it always be His choice.

Father, You alone are able
To create all things in harmony,
Plants and creatures in complex wonder,
Held in awe by simple me.

JANNA'S PRAYER
by Bob Laing

You made the sun, You placed it there
To warm me with Your loving care;
You made the birds, You had them sing
So happiness to me they bring
The clouds, like fluffy pillows say,
"Rest your thought on Me today."
You made the bubbling brook to say,
"Laugh, My child, laugh and play."
You put the moon in the night sky
To show Your love as months pass by.
Your beautiful flowers cause me to praise
All I behold on lovely days.
Oh Lord, Thou hast done so much for me,
Is not there something I can do for Thee?
Yes, My child, there is one thing;
New life to this old earth you bring
That after you have left this earth,
One like you will show awe and mirth.