A Prayer for Exiles

captives mourn
in exile here
wisdom teaches us
to rescue them,
give them a safe abode
bright morning,
bring us comfort
from the night and
light to bind the hearts
of all in peace.   

~kat

Today’s Manic Monday Three-Way Prompt is based on the Word: Rejoice, the Photo: (a portion of the original) above and the Song: Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel (lyrics below). When I think of God/Emanuel coming, I think about the innocents that need him most. At least for today, there are many who are still suffering. And so I decided a prayer would do for today’s Manic Monday.  I’m not sure why my thoughts and heart went in an opposite direction with today’s prompt. It’s not exactly an example of rejoicing. But perhaps it’s a means to an end. Peace, kindness and love to you.

O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive(s) Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain

3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

4 O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto yourown and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain

5 O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide ourheavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain

6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain (to)

7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease (in)
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain 

Psalter Hymnal (Gray)