Predestined

After Romans 8:26-30

Before the call,

a purpose.

Before the call,

foreknowledge,

coupled with

a predetermination,

a predestination

of being shaped

and being molded

to the image.

Start there, and

hear the call,

need the call,

and it swirls

and moves

through agency

undeserved,

the agency of grace,

moving to acquittal,

moving to glory.

Photograph by Kristopher Roller via Unsplash. Used with permission.

There's a process

After Romans 8:26-30

There’s a process involved,

even if we think it’s all

spontaneity. It begins

with weakness, ours;

weakness so profound

that we’re at a loss

to know even what

to pray for.

But then, and next, 

the groaning,

the groaning too deep

for words, the sign

of intercession,

of help, the sound

of wind and fire

searching, seeking,

ferreting out

the hearts of weakness.

And so: our prayers are made.

And so: our prayers are heard.

Photograph by Suzanne Williams via Unsplash. Used with permission.