Note: The following is one of my favorite English poems. It actually became popular as a song in the 1770s.

Want to hear its tune? Click here:

Drink to me only with thine eyes

Song to Celia by Ben Jonson

Drink to me only with thine eyes
And I will pledge with mine.
Or leave a kiss within the cup
And I’ll not ask for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove’s nectar sip,
I would not change for thine.

I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much hon’ring thee
As giving it a hope that there
It could not withered be;
But thou thereon did’st only breathe,
And sent’st it back to me,
Since when it grows and smells, I swear
Not of itself, but thee.

 

For many years now, I have kept this prayer in my wallet. It is handwritten on a piece of paper, copied from the Bible. I have also  stashed a copy of the same prayer in my husband and children’s wallets, but I guess I have to check if they still have it with them now.

If you notice in the Holy Bible, the Psalms are prayers in verse form, most of which are really meant to be sung. Each Psalm, I believe, is intended for particular petitions or intentions. Psalm 23, for instance, is for provision – a prayer for people who are suffering from material hardships in life.

Psalm 91 on the other hand, if for protection.

Incidentally, this is my 200th post. And my way of celebrating this occasion is by sharing this prayer to all of you.

Psalm 91 – GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR

Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him,

“You are my defender and protector;

You are my God, in you I trust.”

He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases.

He will cover you with his wings;

You will be safe in his care;

His faithfulness will protect and defend you.

You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.

A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed.

You will look and see how the wicked are punished.

You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home.

God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.

You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.

God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord.

When they call to me, I will answer them;

When they are in trouble, I will be with them.

I will rescue them and honor them.

I will reward them with long life;

I will save them.”

(My offering for peace and love: White orchids from my sister Eva’s garden)

Please pray with me:

Loving Father, we pray for the families of the victims of the Glorietta bombing at this sad and difficult time.

We pray that You will bring comfort to them, and give them the peace which encompasses all understanding.

We pray that in all of their grief and sadness, they will not feel alone, but will always be conscious of the reality of Your presence with them.

And lastly, Lord, we pray for love in every hardened heart; peace in every troubled soul and enlightenment in every confused mind.

Amen.

This post is in response to the call for prayer and sobriety by Ding of Inkblots – Life Unraveled and Señor Enrique of Wish You Were Here.