CANDLE ON THE WATER

CANDLE ON THE WATER

“Oh send out your light and your truth;

  let them lead me…” Ps. 43:3a

O Lord,

Ignite my soul with your love,

Then launch me into the darkness.

Keep me afloat.

When I drift away on my own

Blow me gently back on course,

Until my feeble flame unites

With others like my own.

Then in the darkness

One light will shine

And here on the water,

Infinite reflections

Dance with joy!

Lord, keep me aflame!

(This poem was written after a communion service at The Synod of the Virginias Conference, 1977, at Massanetta Springs, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Attendees launched burning candles on the lake, symbolizing the Light going out into the world.)