" LENTEN PRAYER "

How have I prepared for the Season of Lent?
How shall I feel when my forty days are spent?
Will I be satisfied that I have done my best
Had I kept a clean house for our Saving Guest?

Would I have hidden my face in shame?
For sins I committed - others would I blame?
Or will I shoulder that which I had done
And repented sorrowfully to God's only Son?

How can I prove my love is sincerely true?
How can I fast and pray when it is so hard to do?
When will I find the time in my already busy day
To put You First, Foremost and follow Your Way?

Help me, Lord, to make these forty days holy.
Show me how to love and sacrifice for You wholly.
Cleanse me of all that would keep us apart.
Grant me a repenting, forgiven and renewed heart.
How I pray for a new beginning, a fresh start,
Every grace to my soul please impart;
My Lord and my Savior,
O Thou art.

Amen

© Mel Patterson, 2-20-07

" THE PASSION of a KING "

His time had come, the hour was upon Him,
Agony in the garden our sins to pardon--
Oppressive mental and emotional pain
He suffered as if He had sinned ~ for our gain.
A traitor's kiss upon His cheek
Gave Him up to the approaching soldier
Gentle Jesus was ever so meek
As the Guards grew bolder and colder.
Thirty pieces of silver earned
Soon became revoltingly spurned.
Unquenchable sorrow
Judas saw no tomorrow
Not one more day to borrow
He groped for the rope
Cursed night of horror!

Switches beaten upon Jesus' back
Violently applied with vicious hate.
The soldiers never gave up any slack
Torture never seeming to abate.
Slashes, cuts, wounds, bleeding
Still to His Father for us interceding
He took every blow even though
The evil attacks were relentless
And certainly not event-less.
They couldn't know with each swing
They were savagely flogging a King.

They dragged Him off to a black dank cell
Pulling His body over ragged stone;
Trail of blood of this deed would tell,
Ripping His skin to His very bone.
Crown of piercing thorn to His head applied
Digging deep into His skull with pressure
And yet they mocked Him with angry chide
For their own sadistic evil pleasure.
They couldn't know with each swing
They were savagely crowning a King.

With crude ax a mighty tree they split
Into two cross bars, one short, one long
Forming it into a cross measured to fit
His carrying it, His torture to prolong.
The long arduous journey amid cruel jeers
Falling three times to angry sneers
Shoulder flesh and the pain sears ~
The wailing of women and men in tears
This was hell clear as a bell
This event History would tell.
They couldn't know with each swing
They were savagely killing a King.

A Cyrenian ordered to assist Him
Helped shoulder the cross upon the climb;
All knew the scene unfolding was grim
His death eminent, soon it would be time.
They threw the Cross crashing upon the ground
Rudely unclothed Him, shoved Him down ~
Then nails into His Hand and Feet pound
Appalling and gut-wrenching it did sound.
All ears could hear, all eyes could see
That all of this viciousness came to be
Witnessed by all, horribly!
They couldn't know with each swing
They were savagely killing a King.

They hiked up the Cross with a forceful jolt
Which tore at His precious Hands and Feet
Radiating painfully like a lightning bolt.
From their taunts - they did not retreat.
To harrass Him further they gave Him gall;
For love of man, He was giving His All ~
Did not His Father hear His soulful call,
"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"
"My God, my God,
why have You forsaken Me?"
Jesus felt abandoned we plainly see
Although He held onto the hope
Of returning to His Father in Glory.
He saw His sorrowful Mother grieving
And gave John to her believing
That in all their tomorrows and all the sorrows
They would comfort one another
Like a son and a mother
One to the other.
And now the appointed hour had arrived
Victorious Victim in spite of what satan contrived
Jesus died for our sin our souls to win
No sense wond'ring what might've been
This was the Father's Plan
Since time began
for mortal man.
They couldn't hear Angels reverently sing
In expectation of a Resurrected Glorious King !
O the JOY three days time would bring !



© Mel Patterson, February 19, 2007

"A Valentine for My Lord"

A Valentine for my Lord

In words that I record

On paper or book,

In poem or story,

Devotion or allegory,
I pray tells of a love
I give to God above
Smaller than His for me
O Lord, I truly love Thee.

My heart I give to Thee
My soul belongs to Thee
May I always cling to Thee
Do Thou, O Lord, stay with me.

No heart is greater than Thine

Thou Who art ever Divine

Who gives us His Heart

Praise Thy Mighty Power

O Strong and Holy Tower

Be in us every hour

As on bended knee

We pray to Thee,

Hopefully.

Remember:

~ The GREAT HEART of GOD ~

Envelops you,

Embraces you.

Encompasses you,

Encapsulates you,

Encircles you,

Is in front of you,

Is in back of you,

Is on each side of you,

Surrounds you,

because

GOD LOVES
you,

For all Eternity

,Then,

Now,

AndForever.

~~~~~~~

© Mel Patterson, Feb., 2007

" The Same....."

The same sun that sets upon thee sets upon me

And the Hand of God in it, I clearly see;

There is no sight that blesses my heart

Quite as much as a sunset can impart.

The same God that looks on thee, looks upon me

And His Blessings upon us we clearly see;

He gives us the stars, moon, rain and sun

From early morning light 'til day is done.

The same expanse of sky over thee is upon me

And God's Glory in its' changing we clearly see;

Whether clear, sunny or colored gray with cloud

He is worthy of all thanks, Praise and Laud.

© Mel Patterson, 2-8-07

" Flame "

An ecru jar candle burns ~
Vanilla fragrance fills the room
The flame flickers brightly
Banishing an oppressive gloom.

The gray-stone fireplace logs burn ~
Warm heat wafts through the room;
The flames lap like tongues of fire
Banishing the cold and gloom.

With snow outside, warmth within ~
The comfort and warmth of this room
Cause my grateful heart to burn with love
For my Lord Who banishes all gloom.

Contemplating the Lord's goodness
As I sit in my comfortable room
My spirit soars; the fire roars ~
All is LIGHT ~ gone is the gloom.

© Mel Patterson 1-28-07

" Lord, God, I thank Thee "

In the velvety black of the midnight sky
Sprinkled with a glitter of stars on high
What lies before me is a sight to behold ~
I would not trade it for rubies nor gold.

The moon rises in the shape of a crescent
The sight of which is most pleasant;
I marvel that it seems to suspend in the air
And I wonder how far away it is up there.

Contemplating the vast beauty above me
I survey the panorama I see.
I am blessed beyond measure ~
Viewing the scene is sheer pleasure,
A hint of heavenly treasure,
Lord, God, I thank Thee
For this incredible beauty.
Lord, God,
I do thank Thee.


© Mel Patterson 1-27-07

" Renewal "

If my heart is pained and stripped bare
Is there anyone at all who would care
If I lived or died, screamed and cried,
Sobbed, trembled, choked and sighed?

If I wore my heart upon my sleeve
That for a life not lived well I'd grieve;
Would anyone at all notice my pain
Befriend me for their own gain
After waxing, see none, then wane?

Is it worth it to bare one's soul?
Will I ever be made whole?
That would be my ultimate goal.
Heartaches are taking their toll;
Lord, grant the drudgery a lull.

Upon bended knee
I plea
Thee
Forgive me.

With soul renewed and restored
I thank Thee profusely Dear Lord;
Thou lifted my burden and my heart
Thy love upon my being, please, impart,
So I may become more like Thee,

Thank Thee,

And Praise Thee...

Eternally.

© Mel Patterson 1-26-07

" Acceptance "

There is a sorrow deep inside of me,
That tugs at my heart and soul
It is regretting the missed opportunity
That ought to have been my spirit's goal.

How is it I did not see the Light?
Why did I not do what I planned?
It seems my soul chose only blight
As I planted my feet in only sand.

As I ponder and pray to you, O Lord
I am beginning to see it your way.
Keep me focused to your holy accord
Help me to mend and bend as you say.

I am yours, Lord, do with me what you will.

Teach me to acquiesce to your Holy Law;
O that I might always hear your call,
Never to ignore your pleading
You're always interceding
To the Father for me
Teach me to see
Thee in
me
That I mirror you
In all I say and do.


© Mel Patterson 1-23-07

" Little Bundle "


Little bundle of pink fluff
You did not live long enough;
You stole my heart since first I saw you
Not to hear your voice, nor little coo,
Little infant babe born so long ago~
To God I offered you, even though
My heart was ripped and ill-equipped
To handle the morose sorrows
Flooding my spirit and my soul
Upon my heart your passing took its' toll.

As these forty years unfold
(For you, today, would have been that old)...
I rejoice in the gift of your precious life
You were spared this earthly strife ~
On your third day, Jesus embraced you
And took you away to where you are
Way above every star
In God's Kingdom ever to be,
And you wait for me
That I can plainly see,
our

little...

Erin Mary.



© Mel Patterson 1-13-07

" I WAIT "

Do you hear me, Lord, when I call to you?
Do you know my every thought and word?
Do you know and see what I say and do?
When I am sad and cry, am I heard?

O dear child of mine, I hear every cry.
I hear what you say and I see what you do.
I am always near; I hear your every sigh
I cherish you and love you endlessly, too.

Before time began I knew you ~
I thought about you for a very long time;
I gave you life and an everlasting soul
That we might sing together in rhyme
For the wedding of your soul to Mine.

I offer you an eternity of wedded bliss,
A grand banquet set before your eyes;
I'll bless your soul with a Holy Kiss
And smilingly take your hand
to my promised land.
Say...'yes'...
Take my hand.
Let me lead
I plead.
It is all for you all that I do.

. ...I wait....

© Mel Patterson 1-3-06

" NATIVITY "

An angel of God visited me today,
I could hardly believe my eyes.
When I heard what he had to say,

I could hardly believe my ears ~
I was nearly frightened to tears;
He did, however, allay my fears.

He said I would be mother to a son.
I knew not man ~ I wanted to run
But I said, 'unto me your word be done.'

At the appointed hour, the Holy Spirit
Will overshadow you and you'll conceive;
Be not afraid, Mary, no reason to fear it.

This is God's will for your Son and you;
With every good grace you He will imbue~
Jesus is the Infant King and Saviour, too.

Joseph will be a good husband and father,
He'll be your protector all his life ~
He loves you much, Mary, like no other.

He'll love your Child, teach him many things`
He'll be blessed with the joy fatherhood brings,
Both of you'll delight when Baby Jesus sings.

So Mary rest easy for now and dream
Of the exciting and blessed life you'll live.
God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit deem

You have been chosen and blessed~
The Son of God is your womb's Guest~
Saving humanity from sin will be his quest.




© Mel Patterson December 11, 2006

" Longing "

The longing in my heart and soul for Thee
Transcends all other longings there ever could be.
For you, my Lord, my God, and my all
Have won me over by your truth and your law.

How is it you have willed that I be here?
I'm sorry for my sin; O Lord, still my fear.
Help me to be forgiving as you are to me
That one day I may more ~ image Thee.

Quench the thirst of my soul and my spirit
I pine for you, Lord; my soul ~ please, steer it.
Let me not look for earthly pleasures...
But seek only your Holy Treasures.

Prime me and align me with your Holy Will;
Your fire within my heart and soul instill.
Lead me along the long and torturous road;
In prayer I find a lessening of the load
as I travel along
my heart in song
To you I long .... to ... belong.

The longing in my heart and soul for Thee
Transcends all other longings there ever could be.
For you, my Lord, my God, and my all
Have won me over by your truth and your law.



© Mel Patterson 12-21-06

" Do You Love Me? "

What is the first thought of the day
As you awaken wiping the sleep from your eyes?
Do you roll over and continue to lay
Or shuffle to the window and look at the skies?

And when you do look at the skies what do you see?
Do you see mist and fog or clouds and rain?
Do you see sun above the cover which eventually
Bursting forth causes the clouds to wane?

When you begin your day do you say a prayer
And say thank you, Lord, for a brand new day?
Are you optimistic and do you really care
About the opportunity you have to walk in His Way?

Do you think of God and pray to Him often?
Or do you give him not a thought at all?
Do you have a hardened heart that doesn't soften?
Do you open your mind and heart to hear His Call?

As long as this big world keeps going
He calls each and every one of us by name.
All He asks is our love and service in sowing
and reaping
the harvest He plants.

In joyful song and dance...
Come !
Are we going?

Says He:

' Are you not coming? '
I'm all loving and all-knowing
My LOVE is overflowing;
Please accept it.
Do you not hear the humming
of the angel choir
full of fervor and fire?

They sing and play for Me;
Come, and you will see
they'll also play for thee ~
Come, be with Me...
for
Eternity. '

' I deeply Love you, don't you......
love Me, too? '



© Mel Patterson 12-16-06

" BLESS the BABE "

Bless the babe born of my womb,
Now sleeping in my keeping,
Safe and sound in this room
My love for him deepening.

Tiny little man with eyes closed
I love watching God's Son sleep;
In a needed nap now reposed
This infant I am blessed to keep.

He has sweet little rosebud lips
That frequently seem to smile
As from my breast he lazily sips
And tenderly I stare awhile.

Precious little One, oh so small
I want this moment to last for ever
Rest in my arms in peaceful pall ~
May this bond never, ever, sever.



© Mel Patterson 12-06-06

" Dawn Thoughts "

The Dawn of this new day with sun ascending
Pinks up the horizon transcending
My soul to Thoughts of Thee;
Lord God of Heaven and Earth,
Your gifts are given in multiplicity.

We start the day by Thanking you, Lord
For gifts of graces continually poured
Upon us here on earth, the place of our birth.

In the heavens you are eternally adored
By inhabitants whose souls soared
Where Praises are sung by choirs
To the music of harps and lyres
Joyfully celebrating ~
~ While we are waiting
For our survival,
Holy Spirit revival,
And finally our arrival
At Heaven's Gate
Not a moment too late
Our climb
is
Right on time;
How sublime!

How great is your Plan; You love mortal man
Whom you have blessed with soul and spirit!
The sound of music in the heavens
Must be sheer JOY to those who hear it!

Angel voices, everyone rejoices
to be in your presence
and savor your essence
Is our ultimate goal
Praise the Lord, O my soul !



© Mel Patterson 11-28-06

" Did... ? "

As evening draws to a close
And we look upon our day,
Would God be pleased do you suppose?
Had we followed His Son's Way?

Did we ignore the passing stranger?
Did we quickly look the other way ~
Thinking we'd be in danger?
Did we utter an unkind word today?

Did an opportunity pass us by
Because of our hesitation to act?
Did we pass Jesus in that person...sigh;
Compassion is the virtue we lacked.

Let us be mindful of what we learn
As we examine our actions this day.
Let's pray for the ability to discern
And follow The Truth,
The Life and
The Way.

© Mel Patterson, 10-31-06

Praise, Adoration and Honor ever be Thine !

Keeping our eyes fixed upon the Prize
In the face of distraction and temptation,
We firmly rebuke the evil one's lies,
Calling upon You, Lord, for emancipation.
Glory and Praise is our bold proclamation !

Our desires are for the things above;
Jesus, O Lord, You are our ultimate goal.
You bless us with unconditional love
Wanting to save each and every single soul,
May Praise songs from every Church bell toll !

You, Lord, are the Glory of the Father;
You are Splendor and Majesty Divine.
It is with us mere mortals You bother ~
For You, O Lord, our souls do pine;
Praise, Adoration and Honor ever be Thine !

© Mel Patterson, 10-29-06

"The Falls"

The sound of the Falls
Thunders with applause
Glorifying God as it races,
Much as do His Graces
Bestowed upon mortal man
Simply because He can,
To the edge of the precipice
Mixed with foam below
White as the snow ~
~ The Falls,
O the beauty of that show !

In the waters of the green sea
Plunging, gushing, twisting, misting,
The Falls glorifies God's majesty ~
O the beauty of His Tapestry !
What fools are we
If we do not see ~
~ in The Falls,
His captivating Beauty !

The Gorge flows with swelling waters
Ever dashing, thrashing, and crashing
Upon rocks and docks;
It swirls, whirls and twirls
Panting in a prancing dance
As at God's Wonders I glance.
Then in a trance
I stare
at the Beauty there,
Nothing can compare !


© Mel Patterson 10-18-06

GLORY, PRAISE and HONOR

Glory, Praise, and Honor
Be upon our minds, lips and hearts
For ever and ever !

O Father, thank you and Praise you
For every Gift you lovingly give;
May Glory, Praise, and Honor, too
Be on our lips for as long as we live !

When I am tired and weary
Whining and teary
Bemoaning my fate of late,
Help me to see it's not about me
But about my neighbor
Through whom Thee I see.

Bless my neighbor with all that is needed;
Permit me to provide it if possible.
Let no word you speak to me go unheeded
And all required of me be plausible.

Permit me to be an emissary for you
Someone who carries out your will;
May the words I say and deeds I do
Your most Holy Will fulfill.

It isn't easy to always tow the line
Who knows better than you, my Lord,
Who bore our sin, your Cross the sign
Upon us may your graces be poured.

O Father, thank you and Praise you
For every Gift you lovingly give;
May Glory, Praise, and Honor, too
Be on our lips for as long as we live !

Glory, Praise, and Honor
Be upon our minds, lips and hearts
For ever and ever !

© Mel Patterson 10-9-06

"Your Presence is What We Desire"


Your Presence is what we desire;
Fill us with Holy Spirit Fire.

Without you I am lost and afraid;
Your Presence is what I desire.
Come, Lord Jesus, and save me
From the stench of sin and mire.

I can't believe you really want me,
So sinful and slothful as I am;
Accept my penitential prayer, my God.
Through your Son, Jesus, our Perfect Lamb.

I am sorely afraid of offending you,
And I pray to be a deserving child
Who serves you in my neighbor ~
You, my Lord, are Holy, and undefiled.

Be Thou our Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Rock, Lighthouse, Saviour and Friend;
Please guide each and everyone of us
And to each beloved soul do Thou tend.

We want to be pleasing to you
In everything we say and do;
Bless us with all virtue,
annoint us, too
For as you love us we also love you.

Your Presence is what we desire;
Fill us with Holy Spirit Fire.

© Mel Patterson 10-5-06