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These are prayer poems by Michael R. Burch, along with a few hymns. There are also poems on the subject of God and religion—Christianity in particular. 



I Pray Tonight
by Michael R. Burch

I pray tonight
the starry light
might
surround you.

I pray
each day
that, come what may,
no dark thing confound you.

I pray ere tomorrow
an end to your sorrow.
May angels’ white chorales
sing, and astound you.



Elegy for a little girl, lost
by Michael R. Burch

for my mother, Christine Ena Burch

. . . qui laetificat juventutem meam . . .
She was the joy of my youth,
and now she is gone.
. . . requiescat in pace . . .
May she rest in peace.
. . . amen . . .
Amen.



Mother, I’ve made a terrible mess of things ...
Is there grace in the world, as the nightingale sings?
—Michael R. Burch



Sandy Hook Call to Love
by Michael R. Burch

Our hearts are broken today
for our children's small bodies lie broken;
let us gather them up, as we may,
that the truth of our Love may be spoken;
then, when we have put them away
to nevermore dream or be woken,
let us think of the living, and pray
for true Love, not some miserable token,
to command us, for strength to obey.



Cædmon's Hymn (the oldest extant English poem)
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Humbly we honor      heaven-kingdom's Guardian,
the Measurer’s might      and his mind-plans:
the goals of the Glory-Father.      First he, the Everlasting Lord,
established      earth’s fearful foundations.
Then he, the First Scop,      hoisted heaven as a roof
for the sons of men:      Holy Creator,
Maker of mankind.      Then he, the Ever-Living Lord,
afterwards made men middle-earth:      Master Almighty!



Native American Prayer
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Help us learn the lessons you have left us
in every leaf and rock.



Cherokee Prayer
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

As I walk life's trails
imperiled by the raging wind and rain,
grant, O Great Spirit,
that yet I may always 
walk like a man.

This prayer-poem makes me think of Native Americans walking the Trail of Tears with far more courage and dignity than their “civilized” abusers.



Peace Prayer
by Michael R. Burch

Be calm. 
Be still.
Be silent, content.

Be one with the buffalo cropping the grass to a safer height. 

Seek the composure of the great depths, barely moved by exterior storms. 

Lift your face to the dawning light; feel how it warms.

And be calm. 
Be still.
Be silent, content.

Keywords: prayer, poem
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