STOKED

My feet have strayed 

from hallowed ground

the flames are closing

all around

I need you Lord

yes I believe

that I have sinned

I was deceived

I wanted something

not of you

as often we

mere mortals do

I run around

I scream and shout

But find there is just

no way out

I seek Your face

and You appear

to whisper sweetly

in my ear

Hold My hand child

though you strayed

I’m with you now

I am the way

In the fire

You are here

You walk so close

You draw me near

You tug my hand

say Walk on child

neither flame

nor heat is wild

You’re in control

of what it burns

eternal life is

Your concern

You are the refuge

from the heat

in this furnace

where we meet

You are the refuge

from the flame

there is no need

to search in vain

You are the one

Who’ll see me through

if I just keep

my eyes on You

I will not fail

to persevere

draw closer Lord

and I’ll not fear

You are the refuge

that I seek

Because my heart and 

flesh are weak

In these flames

I start to sweat

my story

isn’t over yet

My God, My Lord

He overcame

so build a fire

stoke the flame

fasten the chains 

of sin and shame

The Glory?

It is His, you’ll see

Because His love

has set me free

Again.

- Vera Patterson