Prayer Poems by Michael R Burch

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