In the hospital for sick seniors
each pillow cradles a face
framed with white hair
underscored by bony knuckles
clutching white sheets.
Bodies, getting older together
join in a choir of symptoms;
the deep voice of bones broken
the tenor of organs failing
the soft alto of senses dulling
the high soprano of pain.
Doctors know this tune,
nurses move to its rhythm.
Lord of the song,
tune my ears to the meaning
of this slow dance towards death,
to the grace notes
in the age-old chorus.
Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.
You can order it here!
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.
I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com
Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds.
Feel free to use these orally in a worship service (in-person or broadcasted) , but if they are printed in a bulletin please use the following credit
Contact me for use in newsletters or printed resources, I am happy to grant permission but I would like to know how my writing is being used. You can reach me at carol@leadinginworship.com.
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