The Poetic Challenge, #92

10-2, 10-2, SHOW  NOTES & COPYRIGHTS,  (Scheduled 2/23/23)                       Today we have poems about prayer and a poem competition that I think I lost years ago.The first poem is unpublished and was written in September of 2020.AN ANSWER TO PRAYERI thought I could stopThe up and down hopGoing on in my mind.Could peace again I find?Speak upShut upWhat is rightNot what mightSo, I knelt and began to pray.The answer, “do not betrayYour fellow believers,Expose the deceivers.”There are momentsI hear commentsSaying words I’ve writtenShould never be hidden.As my mind started to wander,I knew it was time to pray.Tilting my head I looked yonderAnd asked God, “what do I say?”I see the world in a haze,With so many in a daze,Not knowing where the truth laysToo many yays, too few nays.I said, “Lord, what can be done?”He answered, “it is simple my son.Read the book of prophecy.Not books of philosophy.”“Today you prayTo know the way.You already know it,Now you must share it.”So, I will continue to writeOf how yesterday and todayHave and still explain tomorrow,As the “god of this world” brings sorrow. (2 Cor. 4:4)I was left with this:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on the full armor of God, so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians :10-16, NIV)9/19,20/2021, tcarterDiscussion:The next poem is also unpublished and was written in August of 2022.WORDS FROM A PRAYERWords to write on this night,I had a thought of what they oughtThis night to say, first I must pray.Dear Father in Heaven above,I pray this night for words of love,The words I can shareExpressing Your care.The words of thanksgiving,The life I am living,My tomorrowWithout sorrow.May the wordI have heardBe what I writeThis blessed night.In Jesus’ name I pray.Amen, again this day.Thank You Lord.I have...