Even There 

Before the song, before the light,  
in hush of dawn or darkest night, 
when words fall short, or none appear-- 
-God listens. Even there.
 
In broken hallelujahs rung, 
by weary hands or trembling tongue, 
through shadows deep or plaintive prayer-- 
-God listens. Even there.

 
When gladness dances, sorrow sighs,
beneath bright stars or stormy skies,
when fear and faith bring one to prayer
-God listens. Even there.

 
In grateful praise and quiet plea,
 by lifted hand or bended knee,
through silence deep when burdens tear
- God listens. Even there.

 
So let the music now arise, 
from longing hearts and tear-stained eyes; 
He hears us, meets us, leads us near-- 
-God listens. Even here.

(c) Don Stott.  Eliab.com June 28. 2025

 

A Seat of Grace
(A poem inspired by 2 Samuel 9. The story of David and Mephibosheth.)
In Lo-debar, he hides from foes
A broken man with nothing, knows
His name was once of noble breath,
Yet now he faces fear and death.,

A crippled child, a fallen line,
His shattered past, no hope to find.
A king now rules, his throne is vast--
Would mercy come, or shame still last?

Then word arrived, a call so strange,
 King David summoned him by name!
His heart beat wild, his thoughts ran deep,
Would judgment come? Now time to weep?

Before the throne, he bowed so low,
Expecting wrath—expecting woe
Yet David spoke, "Do not be scared,
For Jonathan, your father, cared."

"For love he bore, and bonds we made,
This kindness now shall never fade.
Your father’s house I now restore,
Your brokenness is lost no more."

And then his words—so rich, so true,
"You'll eat with me, be made anew."
A seat was set, a place was found,
Where once was loss, now grace abounds.

Not by his strength, nor by his name,
But endless love, no longer blame.
The crippled child now robed with worth,
Sat at the table, graced from birth.

So take this hope, O heart distressed,
No wound nor shame shall leave you pressed."
For grace still seeks the lost, the lame--
God calls them forth, restored by name. 

DonSong. (c) Eliab.com May 2025
A Seat Of Grace
Song version by Don Stott Lyrics and music (c) Eliab.com , June 27. 2025 

The following poem/song/chant followed a children's talk in a church service. The congregation joined the refrain in bold. It was accompanied by actions for WALK, PRAY, and LISTEN.
The Bible readings for the Service were :2 Timothy 1:1-6, Matthew 9:35-37
A Heart for the Lost
(Verse 1)
Jesus saw people, lost, lonely and weak,
He didn’t just talk, He went out to seek.
He showed them love, no matter the cost,
So He walked and prayed and listened,
Walked and prayed and listened.
(Verse 2)
Timothy learned from his mum and his grandma too,
Both strong in the faith, passed it on and it grew.
They cared and shared and soon it spread
So he walked and prayed and listened,
Timothy walked and prayed and listened.
(Verse 3)
Paul told Timothy, “Don’t be afraid,
We’ve Good News to share. It must be relayed.
They worked to impart, their purpose was clear,
So they walked and prayed and listened,
They walked and prayed and listened.
(Verse 4)
Jesus said, 'The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few',
We’re all called to serve and share what is true.
Outreach for the lost, that’s the heart of our Mission
  Now walk and pray and listen.
Come, walk, pray and listen.

(c) Don Stott , Eliab.com

.O behold upon the infant brow,
The King of Kings, so humble now.
No golden crown, no palace grand
Just lowly straw in a manger stand.
Yet in this child all glory dwells
Our hope for all, Emmanuel!

The face of God in human frame
His many gifts for our shame
He stoops to meet our broken hearts
And from this cradle grace imparts.
O holy child, we lift our praise
Your light will shine through all our days!

So as I ponder manger's glow
The wonder deep, the truth we know.
God's love came down, no price too steep
A Gift of life, so pure, so sweet.
Forever blessed on whom we gaze
Emmanuel, we stand amazed!

(c) Don Stott Eliab.com - Christmas Eve 2024