Saturday, December 17, 2005

The Alcove

A niche,
A hideaway
A retreat
A sanctuary

For prayer
Communion
Contact
Reunion

Like the horns on the altar
Like the hem of his robe
Like the songs in the psalter
Like his hand on the globe

Like a vault for safekeeping
Like a treasury found
Like a library of answers
Like a truth that’s profound


One God
One sinner
One entreaty
One answer

Forgiveness
For peace
For wisdom
Release

A secret space
A closet
A meeting place
An alcove.


“But when you pray, go into your closet, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Do not keep babbling on like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This then is how you should pray: ‘Our Father….’

Dec. 19th, 2005

3 comments:

Brian Russell said...

Hi Ben,
Thanks for sharing a poignant poetic reflection on a familiar passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Your poem reall spoke to me.

Merry Christmas!

Nick said...

This was rather moving. How multi-gifted you are. Just saw a clip of you on the CBS Early Show, and will certainly make an effort to see 48 Hours. Thank you for your many roles you play in advancing the kingdom. Merry Christmas and may God grant you many Christ-centered new years.

Ben Witherington said...

Thanks to both of you brothers, and Merry Christmas to you as well.

Ben