I see Your hands,

not white and manicured,

but scarred and scratched and competent,

reach out –

not always to remove the weight I carry,

but to shift its balance, ease it,

make it bearable.

Lord, if this is where You want me,

I’m content.

No, not quite true. I wish it were.

All I can say, in honesty, is this:

If this is where I’m meant to be,

I’ll stay. And try.

Just let me feel Your hands.

And, Lord, for all who hurt today – 

hurt more than me –

I ask for strength and that flicker of light,

the warmth, that says You’re there.

 

Eddie Askew, 1927-2007, English director of the Leprosy Mission

 

_______________________

 

 

Then people brought little children to Jesus

    for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. 

But the disciples rebuked them.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, 

    for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 

When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.