On the 13th year of the 13th day
Locust are quickly on their way
And all summer long they are here to stay
They'll usher in the darkened night
And scream their song to the dying light
As soft evening colors hit the ground
Their shrill voice well be encompassing all around
You'll be unable to hear another single sound
But I love their song that chills to the bone
Because with it, it drowns out my own

I pray for the world that we would be instruments of love and peace. That we would cultivate forgiveness and equality and strive to understand each other better so that we would be made more tolerant and less angry and afraid.

I pray for the nations of the world and their leaders that they have respect for you and for the many they lead. May they lead with wisdom, understanding, compassion and justice. I pray also that they lead with integrity and honesty.

I pray for our cities, towns, and communities that we would be good stewards of the gifts we have each been given to reach out and help those around us. Help us be generous and honest. Help us be leaders and role models for our children, grandchildren and all the youth who will one day do the same.

I pray for our families and friends, and for those who are hurting. I pray that you would be with them and heal them or give them the strength and courage necessary. Keep our families and friends close to you and may you be at the center of their relationships so that peace, love, and joy would prosper and their lives would flourish.

I pray for those who serve us and by whose service keep us safe and well. I pray for their safety Lord. Send your angels to guard and protect them and help us support and thank them however we can. Let their hands and feet and all they do be extensions of you. Bless them Lord, bless the little ones, the least ones and the last ones.

I pray for us Lord. Help us remain faithful and fixed on you. Don't give up on us: for we are broken, but we are also so strong. Be with us Lord and help us to live by your example and let us be a light for all to see.

Bless us all Lord that we may care for each other and in doing so, care also for you.


Amen

(Jesus) You Are


You are a light in the darkness and hope in despair

You are a friend when it seems no one else cares

You lift me up when I am down, you are strong when I am weak

When I am scared and alone it is you that I seek

It is you that I run to or sometimes just crawl

When it's too much to bear and I can't carry it all

You take it away or give me grace and strength to endure

Nothing will happen today that you and I can't handle together I am assured

I trust you Lord, but I often doubt

Sometimes I wish you wouldn't whisper, you'd shout

My faith, like young legs, are eager but unsteady

You tell me to take a leap of faith and fly, but I'm not sure I'm ready

You are the wind beneath my wings

You lift me up so I can soar

In you I experience what true joy and peace brings

I live like the mountains grounded yet reaching

Like the mighty trees who drop roots to drink deep of life giving springs

Help me thirst mightily for your teachings and the water of life

You are my healer when I'm injured, a sword to help me fight

You go before me as a shield you're angels guard me through the night

Sometimes I can't understand the wisdom of your plan

I am small and I am only one and I don't know that I can

The future is uncertain and I don't know what's in store

But Jesus be my shepherd and I'll want for nothing more

AMEN