Used by permission of Liz Lemon Swindle. Painting available through Repartee Gallery.

"A Prayer To Heaven"

Oh Father, how I adore Thee!
Thy kind and thoughtful deeds!
I can scarcely ask for blessings,
All the beauty and gifts that sing!

Thy majesty goes unspoken!
Thy miracles seldom seen!
The Spirit touches my soul again!
What charity and gratitude bring!

The comfort in forgiveness!
To hold my head up high!
Feelings of understanding!
Trust without a lie!

Peace in times of trouble!
Love that would not harm!
Truth when life is uncertain!
Encircled by Thy arms!

Sorrows often softened!
Joy that fills the air!
A spiritual rainbow of colors!
Thy glory that is shared!

I close my prayer in wonder!
My faith now more refined!
And thank Thee for this sacred time,
My eyes made no more blind!

POET'S COMMENTS

Sometimes our prayers are motivated by knocking and then receiving. We ask in faith and believe God will answer. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, He has asked us to do so; to pray over our homes, our fields, and our flocks. (See Alma 34:18-25) These prayers are often answered because of His love and concern for our safety.

However, there are other prayers that show our love and devotion to Him. Ones that are not motivated by worries, concerns of the future, or problems of the present. This kind of prayer may be one of not asking; but rather, one of thanking. Gratitude and appreciation fill our hearts. We must tell Him! We praise and adore Him, for the many years past of countless blessings and numerous intercessions. "... and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38)

It is a joyous thing to recognize what blessings we already have, to praise the Lord for the spiritual gifts, and not the temporal ones. His blessings do not always come by material or physical means. Sometimes they are emotional blessings that confirm, comfort, assure, and give hope. They build faith to a perfect knowledge.

When we feel "our cup is full" because of what we have already received, we are more ready to give our future to Him.

And that future is an eternal rainbow of love, charity, and peace.