Keep watch

There is a prayer in the service of Compline (bedtime prayers) in the Book of Common Prayer.  It is one of the prayers I used to pray with my children while putting them to bed.  I still say it when putting myself to bed, particularly when a whole host of tragedy seems to have taken charge.  Here is the prayer:

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

And my prayer:

Keep watch, dear Lord,

Every time we are reminded:

Grief and loss and tragedy prevail.

Keep watch, dear Lord,

When the ground heaves and swells

And we

Heave and swell

With it.

Keep watch

When skies open up,

Raindrops pour down

Like oh so many tears.

Keep watch

Keep watch

Oh please

Keep watching

When blows to the safety

Of those we love,

Blows to the safety

Of those we have yet

To love

Rain down.

Keep watch while we aim

To catch our breath,

And then

To know

What*s next.