FAMILY PSALM

FAMILY PSALM

You, my God, are my single parent

you look after me and care for me always;

you are a mother to hug me when I am hurt

a father to admonish me gently in my waywardness.

Good parents don't always do what their children require

we need discipline to learn we don't get everything we ask for;

and you don't grant me all I pray for

your answer to prayer may be `wait' or simply `no'!

You've promised you will not test us beyond our power

there's always a way out of temptations,

but you don't promise us an easy life

for you yourself are closest to us in our adversities.

As we are often unable to help those we love

so your Son was helpless, nailed to a cross.

You don't always give us the help we expect

for your hands are tied like ours.

Yet who will know your presence except those who love you

who can feel your frustration save those who know you best?

So there are no simple answers, even for you, my God

our faith depends on your presence, not on rewards.

Parents watch children grow, till they become their friends

you call us your friends, as we trust in you.