When Promises Become Prayers

December promises

first heard while sitting in a pew

then spoken whilst standing in pulpits

become an aging man’s prayers.

Words of an ancient prophet

sprinkle seeds of hope

in a heart wearied

by hopelessness

spread upon amber waves of grain

by purveyors of hate.

 

The first prayer bursts forth in frustration and anger

occasioned by shocking evidence

that the ways of our humble, servant Savior

are exploited, abused and ignored

necessitating a major course correction.

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.”[i]

Wonderful Counselor, hear our prayer!

 

The second prayer grows from endless reports

of homes destroyed, infrastructure fractured,

children starved or carried to premature graves

as drones and missiles rain bombs

launched by neighbors who neither love one another

nor do unto others as they’d like done to them

“For all the boots of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.”[ii]

Prince of Peace, hear our prayer!

 

Finally, a prayer transforms what once was

and what will be to what is,

asking it to be true for our time too:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”[iii]

Everlasting Father, hear our prayer!

                        James E. Thyren

December 2025

[i] Isaiah 2. 3
[ii] Isaiah 9. 5
[iii] Isaiah 9. 2