Arrow Prayers

In the midnight of my wandering
When shadows press my name
The demons circle silently
Each whisper fanning flame
Yet trembling not, I lift my heart
For Christ is ever near

And arrow prayers take flight at once
To scatter dread and fear
A single breath becomes my spear
A whisper forged in grace
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy, Lord
And darkness flees the place

No strength of mine can conquer them
No earthly iron sword
But mercy turned to fire in me
Burns brighter than their horde

The tempter bends his bow again
With thoughts both sharp and sly
But I release a quicker dard
Oh Jesus, hear my cry
These arrow prayers so short and swift
Outstrip the demons' schemes

The Name of God is lightning cast
Across their shattered dreams
When passions rise like sudden storms
When pride begins to swell
When lust or anger cast their nets
As snares from depths of hell

I aim one thought toward Heaven's throne
A humble, steady plea
Son of God, have mercy now
And set my spirit free
So through the night the battle roars
Yet I shall not lose heart

For every breath can guard my soul
If prayer becomes my art
And though I fall a thousand times
I rise with one refrain
Have mercy on me, Jesus Christ
And make me yours again

Thus arrow prayers become my shield
The Jesus Prayer, my sword
No demons stand before the grace
Of Christ, my conquering Lord
And when the dawn breaks pure and gold
I will know the war was won
By mercy whispered in the dark
By love of God the Son