A Prayer for Angels on the Street

I actually wrote this poem a number of years ago for the flyer of a fundraising project for the Kuya Drop-In Center for Streetchildren. I swear, the way these kids live, their guardian angels must really be working overtime. As much as they need our prayers, these kids need people who will embody God's compassionate presence for them. 

Gentle God whom angels bless

Make present now your tenderness

To all your children who walk the street

In tattered rags, on battered feet.

For city streets can turn to stone

The hearts of those afraid, alone.

On angel’s wings send heaven’s care

Answer the unspoken prayer

Rising above the city’s noise –

The cry of those who have no voice.

Send healing hands from up above,

Touch homeless hearts that yearn for love.

When such as these your Son did see,

He said, “Let the children come to me.

Theirs is all I have to give.”

He stretched out his arms that they might live.

For tender love embraces all

But beats most strong for what is small.

With tender love your Son did seek

What was lost and scarred and weak.

Gentle God whom angels bless

Let me serve your tenderness

That your compassion all may see

Mirrored in the heart of me.