Caryl Ramsdale, American Poet
THIS SINNER'S PRAYER II
Number two [2] of the Tears in a Bottle Collection's Series of Sinner's Prayers.
to Haley Gambill
God respects your right to make your own choices, right or wrong.
He cannot make a new person of you until you make him captain of your ship.
As you read this poem, ask The Lord God to show you how to have everlasting joy, happiness and peace.
Father, being a Christian is hard,
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done
Because I’m part of a “Royal race,”
I must learn to forgive everyone.
Wanting me to live like Jesus lived
And crave eternity for my soul
Is why you moved me to seek the truth—
To trust you to save me from trouble.
Backbiters can thump reputations.
It’s tough to excuse maligning ways
When animosity and anger—
Control—set my attitude ablaze.
I just make myself look bad when I
Blame the faultfinder in the long run.
“Some Christian you are,” was what one said.
“You are nothing like Jesus, God’s Son.”
Self-opinionated cast judgment.
It’s not easy to pardon prejudice
That starts with the narrow-minded and
Influences so many of us.
But once I’m inside their labeled box
“NOT CHRIST LIKE” gets my attention quick—
I know that I did this to myself.
And lack of discipline makes me sick.
Because I’m wise enough to know now
That I took Your eyes off the unfair—
Father, I’m sorry I gave them reason
To dare to challenge this sinner’s prayer.
Teach me your forgiving way Lord,
Amen and Amen!
Copyright©1999-2007 Caryl Ramsdale. All Rights Reserved.
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January 31, 2004
