Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Tidbits from Chris Rice

On walking with God:
"I would take no for an answer, just to know I heard you speak. And I'm wondering why I've never seen the signs they claim they see. Are there special revelations meant for everybody but me? Maybe I don't really know You, and maybe I just simply believe. 'Cause I can sniff, I can see, and I can count up pretty high, but these faculties aren't getting me any closer to the sky. But this heart of faith keeps pounding, so I know I'm doing fine. But sometimes finding You is just like trying to smell the color 9.
"Now I've never felt the presence, but I know You're always near. And I've never heard the calling, but somehow You've led me right here. So I'm not looking for burning bushes or some divine graffiti to appear. I'm just begging for Your wisdom, and I believe You're putting some here."

On prayer:
"Fresh page, new pen, where do I begin? Words fail, tears come, I need someone to take the thoughts I almost think and carry them to God for me. Deep breath, exhale, breathe in deeper still. Long sigh, I'm still numb. Is there anyone who can find the things I'm barely feeling, and give them wings beyond my ceiling? Right heart, wrong place, it's too far to outerspace. Sorry, I forgot, You're right here. I cup my hands around Your ear. I feel You smile; You feel my breath. You listen while I whisper nonsense. Simple exchange. Your will, I'm changed. And now my prayer ends. Thank You. Amen."

On feeling out of place:
"Fading memories ignored, I crawl across the forest floor. Pool reflects an orphaned child, dirty lost, alone, and wild. Fatherless and nameless still, fallen heart and broken, will there ever be a place where I belong? I cower 'neath the monster trees, and try to stand on tired feet. But gravity knocks me to the ground, where I give up and tears roll down. I claw the dust and beg the end; curse the day that I began to hope there'd be a place where I belong. I hear a sound I recognize. You lift my chin and seek my eyes. The song of love You sing to me, I ache to sing it back to Thee. 'Father love prepares a place, and brother Jesus leads the way. Follow to the place where you belong.' How did I miss this wondrous song? The forest sang it all along. River rinses all your shame, and Father offers you His name. 'Father love prepares a home, and brother Jesus leads you on. Follow to the place where you belong.'"