GETHSEMANE . . .

(I wrote this many years ago for our Parish Bulletin, but in the light of yesterday's service and hour of prayer, I thought it relevant to post it here) 

Have you been there Friend? to Gethsemane ? Have you been weighed down by oppression and burdened by pain?  Is your heart heavy and does hope seem forlorn? Is the night so dark, that the way ahead seems treacherous?  Do friends turn foes?  Have you felt abandoned? Do you feel the need to cry....

“Dear God . . .

Let this cup pass.

I cannot bear

Another moment.

This pain

Is too great,

And weighs heavy

On my heart.

I have known

The cold sweat of fear.

Fear that has bred

Hate, anger and

Led me to

Despair.

And now I stand

At the very edge

Of existence.

I speak, but

No one understands.

I call out, but

No one hears.

Is this why

I am?

Where is the answer?

Where must I seek?

I shall go to the garden

Again and again.

As Jesus went before . .

To pray.

To find God.

To know my Father.

Have you been there, Friend?

Have you been to

Gethsemane?