The Essence of Prayer

~ Jason Kanz ~ 1 Comment

Ten million prayers
hover and fly
begging attention
and so I try

to focus my thoughts
to talk with my Lord
but they bounce so fast
it seems I get bored

with each thought that enters
seeking my prayer
they clamor for notice
and then they are

gone in a flash
replaced by another
I reached out to grasp it
but then wonder whether

something more urgent
seeks prayerful release
I chase that thought too
but God whispers “Peace

be still from your frenzy
relax in My presence
time spent with Me
that is prayer’s essence.”

Stillness

~ Jason Kanz ~ Leave a comment

God of all power and love,
when my thoughts rage on
anxiety can overwhelm me.
I desire reprieve, but find only…chaos.
But I look in 10,000 places,
except to you.
Yet you surround me with love and power.
All else may be utterly destroyed,
but you, O LORD, will not.
You command stillness in chaos.
When creation is quaking
I can stand still nowhere,
except in the shadow of your wings.

Radiance Resurrected

~ Jason Kanz ~ Leave a comment

I watch the sun ascend
once again illuminating
creation’s vast expanse.
Night’s black shroud
slowly stripped away
revealing a coat of many colors.
Beauty hidden, but not forgotten.

The True Light
shrouded in death
descended into darkness
but I watch the Son ascend
shedding death’s dark cloak.
Radiance resurrected.

Night comes
but never without
the promise of morning.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

-John 1:4-5

Easter Poem

~ Jason Kanz ~ Leave a comment

Upon the cross
my Savor died
bearing all my sin,
He gave his life
that I might live
I am born again.

His battered form
taken down
was buried in the tomb,
the life of Christ
freely given
led to Satan’s doom.

Three days hence
he rose again
defeating sin and death,
now joined with him
I’ll never die
filled with the Spirit’s breath.

One day soon
he’ll come again
righting every wrong,
and bring us home
to live with him
and join in heaven’s song.

Intermingled

~ Jason Kanz ~ 1 Comment

As I walk alone
frozen crystals sting my cheeks
mingling with hot tears.
Ashamed, I ponder my sin.
How often have I responded with
denial like Peter?
fear like Mark?
betrayal like Judas?

I look up and see the cross
where Christ hung alone
his Father’s cold shoulder
mingled with hot blood
spilled from his hands, his brow, his side.

My sin
Christ’s love
intermingled at Calvary.
His willing sacrifice
poured out for me
so that by his death
I might live.