Sin

We think of sin as such a separate thing,

Something ‘they’ do often

While we ‘good Christians’

Hardly sin at all.

Oh yes, we acknowledge we are sinners,

(But our sins,

These days,

Are really rather small)!

"They kill, and rape and pillage",

Destroying bodies,

Physical health

And worldly goods.

We just niggle, gossip, slander;

Little sins,

That don’t really matter,

No big deal.

These ‘little’ sins, simply destroy;

Hopes and dreams,

Personal reputations,

Steal good names.

Who made us judge,

To decide

Which hurts

God more?

The body destroyed;

He can raise

The spirit

To life.

The soul that’s wounded

Turns upon the spirit

Which raises barriers

That shut out God as well.

Which does more harm,

Within eternity?

The ‘big’ sins

That we see?

Or ‘little’ sins which creep in unnoticed,

Except by those

Whom they destroy –

And God.

Forgive us Lord for our complacency,

Show us the ‘little’ sins

Which are so much

Bigger than we know.

Our sins against others,

Are against You.

As we condemn

And judge.

And we get so busy with our things, Lord,

That we neglect You.

How it must hurt,

When Your own – adore You not.

Lord, Your Blood covers all our sins,

Help us to cherish that,

To try to live Your way

And give You praise.

We know we can never succeed in this,

But as we try,

We grow

More like You.

And as we do, it becomes more natural,

As it should be

Since we were made

In Your image.

Draw us closer to You,

Into Your Presence,

Into Your Grace,

Into Your Love.

Keep us conscious of Your Presence,

Your Spirit’s leading,

Your Word’s teaching

And the Almighty Trinity.

Help us to give You the glory,

And the honour

For they are Yours

By right and worth.

Thank You Lord,

That You give us this avenue of Prayer,

To come to You

Again and again and again.

Amen

© Ailsa Yates 14/6/99