Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Counting Sheep



Counting Sheep

Lord it’s 4:30 and I can’t sleep
So guess I’ll lie here silently and count all your sheep

I’ll list those who are in need Lord among the growing flock
And pray for them now one by one... instead of watching the clock

First for my dear husband who's snoring away
I thank you for him Father... each and every day

Each day we have together is a privilege indeed
He has been so good throughout the years and fills my every need

And my family Lord, they're all such gifts and blessings to my heart
My children and grandchildren...have been such joy from the start

Watch over them today Lord and help them feel my prayers
Give them guardian angels and protect them from all snares

My pastor and his family are coming to my mind
They are so loving, and so giving, sacrificial, and kind

Meet their needs as a family Lord, help them today, and then
Give them blessings and refreshings, again, and again, and again!

Help them and encourage them as they feed your sheep...
But right now Lord I hope that they’re home sound asleep

Lord the missionary list is so very long
Keep each and every one of them healthy and strong

Give them provision and protection too
And today may they win many souls for you

May our congregation share in their difficult task
And give offerings and prayers…that’s all that they ask

Those that are sickly need our prayers too
So Lord I lift all of them up before you

Touch their bodies and bring them good health
And increase their faith with spiritual wealth

The children Lord, and the teenagers too
Need your hand of protection...and guidance anew

Lord, the elderly grow older and weary each day
For them may I never forget to pray

Those who are grieving and mourning...please give them peace
Comfort and love, and hope and relief

The expectant mothers... and the fathers too
Their hopes are high…their bills are not few

It takes so much money today to raise a child
May their blessings be abundant, and their troubles be mild

Lord, those without jobs are growing in numbers
May you be close to them and show them your wonders

And for those who are out there working hard everyday
I won’t forget to earnestly pray

They run the race faithfully day in and day out
They need encouragement Lord… without any doubt

The economy makes it hard for ends to meet
Many are homeless and out on the street

Those who are depressed... and sadly don't know where to turn
It's for these folks Lord that your heart of compassion burns

Yes, life can be hard and we all need you Lord
We need to pray for each other, and be of one accord

After all, we’re a family, a large flock of sheep
So I will pray for them fervently when I can’t sleep

And when I’m counting sheep Lord, I’ll count my blessings too
And give all the praises and glory to you

I’m abundantly blessed…it’s an honor to pray
And I give you control of my whole life today

Thank you for waking me early to count all your sheep
It’s a good duty to give me when I cannot sleep

And in the name of our wonderful Lord Jesus...and friend
Amen…hallelujah…that’s how I will end!


Written by Linda Hogeland
November 2010

4 comments:

Sarah Robbins said...

What a lovely poem. Would you mind if I shared it on my blog, of course linking it to you? I suffer with insomnia from time to time, and this was just such an encouragement to me this morning. I need to remember this for my own sleepless nights.

Linda said...

Sure Sarah you may post it. I think I added to it and corrected some mistakes since you read it though. (:>)

Have a good day!
Linda

Caroline said...

That is so beautiful. I love it and Love you.

Caroline

Veronica said...

You are a wonderful poet, Momma! This was beautiful!