Rise and Pray

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:39-46

Rise and Pray
dedicated to the people of Newtown, CT

Darkness and deep cold
the garden once so lush
now a place of torment
weeping without solace
and I am left alone.

The innocent senselessly destroyed
my heart is on the ground
snow falls in torrents silently
frozen tears from
highest heaven.

Prayer too deep for words
sighing and wailing is heard
a deep rattle of loss rises
from the center of our souls.

This garden once hear
laughter and love words
grass trampled by children
and lovers dancing in the night.

This garden is now gone
to winter's harsh embrace
to our cold indifference
and our casual concern.

Young sprouts must be tended
fragile stalks supported
food added and soil turned
and we fell asleep with full bellies.

Now our hands are empty
our bodies racked with loss
we fear ourselves our children
we fear for all that we hold dear.

God draw near to us
stay with us and keep us
awake and vigilant in love
for we faint with the pain tonight.

God come within us anew
in this Advent waiting remake us
mold us into compassion and care
and help us to rise up and pray.