Wordless Prayer

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Matthew 15:10-28 CLASSIC POEM: Woman of Canaan John Newton Prayer an answer will obtain, Though the Lord awhile delay; None shall seek his face in vain, None be empty sent away. When the woman came from Tyre, And for help to Jesus sought; Though he granted her desire, Yet at first he answered not. Could she guess at his intent, When he to his follow’rs said, I to Israel’s sheep am sent, Dogs must not have children’s bread. She was not of Israel’s seed, But of Canaan’s wretched race; Thought herself a dog indeed; Was not this a hopeless case? Yet although from Canaan sprung, Though a dog herself she styled; She had Israel’s faith and tongue, And was owned for Abraham’s child. From his words she draws a plea; Though unworthy children’s bread, ‘Tis enough for one like me, If with crumbs I may be fed. Jesus then his heart revealed, Woman canst thou thus believe? I to thy petition yield, All that thou canst wish, receive. ‘Tis a pattern set for us, How we ought to wait and pray; None who plead and wrestle thus, Shall be empty sent away. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Word Madeleine L’Engle SNIPPET: I, who live by words, am wordless when I try my words in prayer. All language turns To silence. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]