Poem: Devotion

Written 9/29/07

This poem is dedicated to my father, Leonard Butler, whose unwavering faith has always been

an example and inspiration to me.

I’ve been doing some thinking, Lord

You know, about the way You treat me.

You shower me with an unconditional love.

You grant me kindness, favor and mercy.

You answer my prayers with supplication and
You tend to my every need.

You allow me to see victory in the face of my enemies.

But what have I done for You lately?

I don’t understand what You see when You look at me.

I don’t deserve Your love, Lord, I am so unworthy.

Because I know I’m a sinner and sometimes I disobey.

And yes, sometimes I choose to go the wrong way.

I admit that sometimes I think that it’s all about me

And all I want to do what I think is going to make me happy.

But I’ve been thinking and I realize I need to make a change in my life.

It’s time that I devote my life to being a living sacrifice.

Let my life be a vessel through which Your will is made manifest

Even as I go through trials and endure tests

Lord, remind me that I remain blessed

And that I should offer up no less than my best

When it comes to pleasing You.

Make it, O God, so that my very breath magnifies You

Make it so that every beat of my heart glorifies You

And make it, O God, so that my every thought edifies You

And acknowledges You for the Almighty God that You are

The Almighty God that spoke the earth into creation

The Almighty God that speaks the tongue of every nation

The Almighty God that spins the earth to give us the sunrise

The Almighty God that gave His Son to die

The Almighty God that commands the flowers to bloom

The Almighty God that knew me while I was yet in the womb.

You already knew every instance wherein I would fall out of Your will.

You knew me and my imperfections yet You loved me still.

So now I choose to offer up praise

and honor

and admiration.

I lift my hands in thanksgiving
and in worship
and adoration.

Lord, I celebrate Your eternal reign as the Prince of Peace.

I pay tribute to You, O God, as the Supreme Giver of Increase.

Lord, I bow down before the throne of Your Holy Majesty.

Father, send Your anointing to bring about a change in me.

Omnipotent Ruler, Great Omnipresent King

Righteous Father and Creator, Lover of Every Living Thing

Let everything that is be only what You have declared.

Let Your will be done. Lord, this is my prayer.

Let my spirit be renewed in You once more and again.

For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory

Forever and ever

Amen.