HELP ME TO SPEAK

I am repentant of my sins,
I believe Jesus is The Christ,
I believe I've been redeemed by Him,
I believe He paid the price.

But, I have this problem speaking out,
What do people want to hear?
Unless they directly question me,
I do not volunteer.

I hesitate to open up,
Of that, I am not proud,
I don't revel in my quietness,
But, why can't I speak aloud?

Am I ashamed of anything?
What keeps me from speaking out?
What do I fear from other folks?
What's my silence all about?

Are you disappointed, God?
I know that you must be,
I feel bad about it, too,
I pray you'll pardon me.

Give me courage. Give me strength,
I know what I should do,
Believe me, dearest Father,
I am not ashamed of you.

The shame I feel is for myself,
Forgive me. Hear my plea,
These fears to speak out that I have,
Are much too much for me.

But, how can you forgive me, God,
If I don't do my part?
I promise to try harder, God,
I love you with my heart.

Help me to speak in your behalf,
The words you want to hear,
Help me to speak of you - from love,
And not to speak - from fear.

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis
copyright 2001

"Talk To The Lord In Prayer"

When you are hurting with a heavy burden...,
And it is overwhelming:
When you are insecure and feeling lonely...,
And your heart cries out for one thing only...,

And that is "Peace and Contentment" to come
Back into your life...,
And to wake up each morning free of...,
Trouble and strife.

There is a way to make this happen...,
And it's proven to be true...,
Talk to the Lord in Prayer...,
He is waiting there for you.

I wonder why we wait so long...,
And try to handle our own problems;
When to our Lord they can belong!
He is waiting ever for us....,

Peace and Joy are ours to share...,
And our burdens seem to escape us...,
When we talk to the Lord in Prayer.
Written By: Sandra E. Hanna

Faith isn't anything you can see;
It isn't anything you can touch.
But you can feel it in your heart.
Faith is what keeps you trying
When others would have given up.
It keeps you believing in
The goodness of others
And helps you find it.
Faith is trusting in a power
Greater than yourself
And knowing that whatever happens,
This power will carry you through anything.
It is believing in yourself
And having courage
To stand up for what you believe in.
Faith is:
Peace in the midst of a storm,
Determination in the midst
Of adversity,
And safety in the midst of trouble.
For nothing can touch a soul
That is protected by faith.

midi "THE LORD's PRAYER"