A Prayer for Protection

But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:13-19

A Prayer for Protection

You put them in my hands
after I carried them close to my heart
their fragile perfection given
into my care and I watched
them waking and sleeping worrying
late nights wondering how
to keep them safe.

You put them in my hands
and I learned to pray and tremble
with a mix of hope and fear
each time I dropped one little one
off to school, they ran from me
safe and reassured and I melted
as they went from me.

Keep her safe today I cried
and went on my way but never far
seeking safe harbor from weather
crisis and life's storms not always
able to shelter them completely.

You put them in my hands
and they grew beautiful strong
resilient and bright, luminous
stars shimmering in the black night sky
now out of reach, now in their own orbit
in their own jet black sky.

You put them in my hands and made me
let go and release them trusting you
and them and knowing the bumps and bruises
might not be avoided, the instant danger
and the coal black crushing shame always
nearby and threatening.

You put them in my hands and now those hands
are empty and I fold them, bowing
kneeling, praying, weeping that the love
and lessons were enough to keep them
hold them, shelter them from fierce winds
sudden storms and the gray sorrow of twilight
and despair.

You put them in my hands
and I put them back into yours
for they are treasures
fashioned by love and God
and only the Creator can care
completely for such wonderful beauty.