To a Friend in Search of God

by David L. Allen

I would talk with you of God.
Though not wishing to offend,
Because you see, you are His child
And I want most to be your friend.

So let me tell you at the start.
As strongly as I can,
I don't want you believing me
You see, I'm just a man.

A man can have an unclean heart,
Can be lifted up and proud.
His so called wisdom then, like death
Is vested in a shroud.

But let us use the words of God
Contained in Holy Scripture,
As an artist's purest pigments,
To paint our gospel picture.

Let each brush stroke be a doctrine
That we've studied at our best,
And then step back and take a look,
And put it to this test.

Let's take each thought into our hearts,
And ponder it a day.
Then in humility, with real desire,
Get on our knees and pray.

Yes, pray in secret each alone,
Where none but God can hear.
Where other's voices are shut out,
But God's comes loud and clear.

Yes, ask the Lord which course is right,
Down to the last detail.
Rely upon the source of truth,
And you can never fail.

No, don't believe all that I say,
But please hear my perspective,
Then take your questions to the Lord
For answers most effective.

I don't want to convert you,
Just my message with you share.
It's completely up to you and God,
Just where it goes from there.

DLA, 1977
© Copyright 1997 David L. Allen. All rights reserved.