A Prisoner's Plea

In prison's grip, I raise my plea,

A voice in chains, longing to be free.

Beneath the weight of iron bars,

I reach for You beyond these scars.

"Pray," I whisper, my spirit's plea,

Jesus's words, a lifeline to Thee.

In realms unseen, where hope takes flight,

My Father's presence guides my night.

"Thy kingdom come," I yearn to say,

Yet struggle with words, in this dismay.

"This day, provide," my request I send,

Daily sustenance, on You depend.

"Forgive me, Lord," my heart's refrain,

As I forgive, release my pain.

"Lead not to trial," my fears impede,

Guide me through, my heart to feed.

"Your will be done," a heavy weight,

I wrestle within, an uncertain state.

Trusting You'll provide what's right,

Though surrender comes, a humbling light.

"Yours is the power," in darkest night,

Eternal hope, my flickering light.

Amen, I cry, surrender complete,

In letting go, Your grace I meet.

In prison's depths, I find release,

A burden lifted, a newfound peace.

--a Christian brother freed from an Afghanistan prison 

Midnight Hymn -- Thomas Ken

1 My God, I now from sleep awake,

The sole possession of me take;

From midnight terrors me secure,

And guard my heart from thoughts impure.

2 Blest angels, while we silent lie,

Your hallelujahs sing on high;

You joyful hymn the Ever-Blest,

Before the throne, and never rest.

3 I with your choir celestial join,

In offering up a hymn divine;

With you in Heav’n I hope to dwell,

And bid the night and world farewell.

4 Give me a place at Thy saints’ feet,

Or some fall’n angel’s vacant seat;

I’ll strive to sing as loud as they,

Who sit above in brighter day.

5 O may I always ready stand,

With my lamp burning in my hand;

May I in sight of Heav’n rejoice,

Whene’er I hear the Bridegroom’s voice.

6 All praise to Thee, in light arrayed,

Who light Thy dwelling place hast made:

A boundless ocean of bright beams

From Thy all glorious Godhead streams.

7 Blest Jesus, Thou on Heav’n intent,

Whole nights hast in devotion spent;

But I, frail creature, soon am tired,

And all my zeal is soon expired.

8 Shine on me, Lord, new life impart,

Fresh ardors kindle in my heart;

One ray of Thy all quickening light

Dispels the sloth and clouds of night.

9 Lord, lest the tempter me surprise,

Watch o'er Thy living sacrifice;

All loose, all idle thoughts cast out,

And make my very dreams devout.

10 Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.