PLEASE HUG THEM (My Prayer And Song For All Who Are Going Through Extreme Trials)

On February 28, 2022October 10, 2023 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Hope, Love, Songs, Trials & Blessings14 Comments

I dedicate this precious song to all who are trapped or feel like they are trapped in circumstances beyond their control. Particularly, surrounding devastating conflict. I think of any areas of natural disaster, abuse, addictions, hunger, thirst, loneliness, homelessness, unemployment, sickness, loss of loved ones, any situation where you’ve lost all hope …

silhouette woman tree

PLEASE HUG THEM (for those who are hurting)
Tears are welling up inside
I see so much around me
Turmoil, sadness, unbelief
Too much for this heart to see

Children crying, some dying
Hunger, thirst, poverty
No love given, no love there
Vacant eyes stare distantly

Chorus
There are so many hurting
So many feeling hopeless
So many lost, abandoned
Sick and dying
And I’m too far away
So all I can do is pray
God, please hug your loved ones
Those in need, today
Please hug them Lord in Jesus’ name
And take their pain away

Women lost without their homes
Men despair without income
Families torn, separated
Floods, fires and storms make them numb

Watching death take victory
Among them that are so close
Feeling left behind and worthless
Overwhelmed by each new dose

Bridge
Hug them as they’ve never been hugged before
Hug them till love opens heaven’s door
Hug them till their knees lower to the floor
And with joy they praise and adore

So that is why I cry now
And stand before You broken
Release them from emptiness
Let Love be heard and spoken

All Your creatures are groaning
And nothing can stay the same
Daily there is tragedy
Lord, reveal Your great Name

Lyrics © 2015 – present Liana Wendy Howarth (with some changes from original by Kathleen)
Beautifully sung by Kathleen

FOREVER I SAY I DO (Song Lyrics)

On March 21, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Healing, Promise2 Comments

ballet tips dance

Well, I’m standing at the end of the road
I’ve done all I can do
The Lord has brought me here thus far
It’s time to say I do

I do, Lord
I do
I do believe in You
You’ve saved me
Healed me
Given me life
I do, I do, I do

And I’ll keep my blessed eyes steadfast on You
Turn not to left or right
You are the only way, ’tis true
You’re with me in this fight

I do, Lord
I do
I do believe in You
You’ve saved me
Healed me
Given me life
I do, I do, I do

And I’ll keep my blessed ears tuned to Your word
’Cause faith comes by hearing
O remove all that hinders me
Keep me dancing, singing

I do, Lord
I do
I do believe in You
You’ve saved me
Healed me
Given me life
I do, I do, I do

O Jesus, I cannot thank You enough
For life’s eternal rope
And I am blessed, so very blessed
Yes, blessed beyond all hope

You saved me
Healed me
Loved me
Forever I say I do
I do
Forever I say I do

Lost Prayer

On March 20, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Healing, Hope, Loss, Photography, Prayer, Trials & Blessings2 Comments

When prayer has gone amissing
And you don’t know what to say
When circumstances threaten
To block or mar your way
It may be that you are unwell
It may be that you’ve wandered
It may be influence from many others
Or it may be that your voice has floundered
Words they seem to have disappeared
And lost their way from a confused heart
You know you want to talk to Father
But finding them is tearing you apart
You know He’s there and waiting
Waiting for your pitiful cry
Waiting to place His arms around you
But the silence has you wondering why
Oh! Lord Jesus please break the chains
From off this quivering thought
And release my heart’s desire to see You
Release me Lord into Your presence
… so this dry prayer
Will flourish as the springtime
Fragrance lifted to You on high
Fragrance lifted, others gifted
And prayer released … so this urgency is never for nought

A PRAYER FOR THESE TRYING TIMES

On March 8, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Healing, Hope, Prayer, Promise, Trials & Blessings1 Comment

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Heavenly Father,

In the mighty healing name of Jesus, I come to You oh Lord, in this great hour of need, lifting all who are hurting unto You. Knowing that only You can answer every one of their needs. Needs lifted by them in prayer for themselves, their loved ones, or others. Those too weak to pray. Those who have given up because they have prayed once, or many a time, and not seen an answer. Please make Yourself real to them. May Your Living Water wash and cleanse every wound, and may Your Healing Balm be poured in. Into the depths of wounds created long, long ago, yesterday, or even today. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. May doors that have been closed and locked for so long, be opened. May doors that have not been able to be closed, slam shut. All according to Your will in each life Lord. May tears be dried, may tears be released. May chains be broken off fear, sadness, depression, betrayal, hopelessness, indecision, abandonment, confusion. Father, You sent Your only begotten Son to take our place, a place of emptiness, darkness, destruction, terror. In their place, His death and shed blood bought us fullness, light, wholeness, peace. Oh Lord, may this prayer find its way into broken homes, broken families, broken hearts, breaking hearts. With You there is fullness of joy, love, forgiveness, a very present help in time of need. Today Lord, today, help us to hear Your voice. Your voice calling our name. Calling us unto You through the beautiful name of Jesus. The Way, the Truth, the Life. For those who are questioning Your existence, for those who have denied You before, ignored You, run from You, at a crossroad in their life, may today be the day of salvation. No sin is too great for them not to be forgiven. No filth too horrid for Your cleansing. No disease too far gone for restoration. No relationship too scarred for renewal. Forgiveness and healing, because today is the day of salvation. Today. Today. Today. Right now. May hearts and lives be surrendered upon reading these words. This prayer. Lifted in faith that lives will be changed, and that You will be given the glory. Another child, children, for the Kingdom of God. Have mercy upon us Lord. It is not Thy will that any perish, and You are no respecter of persons. There is healing in Your wings. Call us under Your wings Lord, where there is safety. Safety from the wrath to come. Safety from the destruction all around us. Seen and unseen. Safety from deception. From evil. Oh Lord, deliver us. In Christ Jesus we are free. In His name there is life. Life forevermore. Nothing is impossible for You. Thank you Father for answered prayer in the precious name of Jesus and through the power of Holy Spirit.

Amen and Amen.

HELD TOGETHER WITH LOVE (A Song of Creation)

On March 4, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Love, Songs, The Beauty of Creation2 Comments

mother and baby

Chorus
Well He knitted me together with love
And not one stitch did He miss
Without sweet compassion
Every part of me is where He first placed it
Who am I to question His final design or wisdom

And so I’m held together with love
His love, so tender sent from above
Throughout all eternity, He gave
Life, and for my feet a path did pave

He’d already chosen the colour
Of my skin, my eyes, bright not duller
My hair, to be curly or so straight
A full head of hair, then or to wait

And deep within my heart He had placed
An answer for each trial I faced
For every day when skies would be dark
Enough light to ignite hope’s bright spark

So knowing this I cannot worry
I may struggle, my steps be blurry
But because my Creator knows me
That He sees, well ’tis enough for me

Bridge
He saw me
He saw me
Even before one breath I took
He saw me
And loved me
But then I took a breath and forsook
Forgive me Lord
For all the years
I looked the other way
For all the years
I did not see
The love you’d sewn in me

Psalm 139 King James Version (KJV)

139 O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.

13 For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.

19 Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate Thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Once Upon a Winter’s Heart

On February 18, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Hope, Love, Photography, Trials & Blessings4 Comments

Blustery winds beat relentlessly against the pane
And this heart lost within itself sighs wearily
But I am resting safely ‘neath protective wings
Of One who loves me dearly

Oh! Coldness of night and darkness of day
Treasures that draw my oft times wandering eye
If it were not for His love and amazing grace
They might just steal this breath away

And So I thank You, my Father, my Father of mine
For Your nearness, in the furnace of fiery trials
Thawing out deep recesses of once dying frost
Sweetness of warming gift, my heart, it defrosts

The Bridal Song

On February 1, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Inspiration, Love, Songs4 Comments

wedding bouquet hd picture

I loved you ere the world began
Your heart, searching, it beat in Mine
Distant desire, you came to Me
My bride, arrayed in linen, fine

And words were whispered longingly
And your cry mingled with sweet tears
My ears, you opened with your love
Lost, now gone, the abandoned fears

Chorus
Infused with endless love
Fragranced, and arms embraced
This love is heaven-sent
I’m yours, you’re Mine, we’re His

With each passing moment
With each breath that you breathe
I’ve always known, seen you
Wanting you to believe

The days drew us closer
Time held us far apart
Moments I created
Perfect, they filled your heart

Chorus
Infused with endless love
Fragranced, and arms embraced
This love is heaven-sent
I’m yours, you’re Mine, we’re His

Soon we’ll be together
Now, and eternally
Two hearts will be safe, bound
Captivated, set free

And joy, songs abundant
Ring out forevermore
The wedding supper’s here
Sealed with a kiss adore

Chorus
Infused with endless love
Fragranced, and arms embraced
This love is heaven-sent
I’m yours, you’re Mine, we’re His

And words were whispered longingly
And your cry mingled with sweet tears
My ears, you opened with your love
Lost, now gone, the abandoned fears

I loved you ere the world began
Your heart, searching, it beat in Mine
Distant desire, you came to Me
My bride, arrayed in linen, fine

Fearfully, Wonderfully Made

On January 31, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Photography, Poems, The Beauty of Creation4 Comments

RL 3

I am fearfully, wonderfully made
And each breath I take, every heartbeat
Serenades
The chorus of angelic choir
I am made in His image
From glory to glory
Not like the world
’Cause beauty in the world, it fades

THE WINGS OF THE MORNING (Song Lyrics Based on Psalm 139)

On January 26, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Love, Songs, The Beauty of Creation4 Comments

frosty sunrise

Searching my heart, You know me
Whether I go or stay
My path, You forever surround me
And know all about my way

No words are hidden from You
Thy hand is upon me
And I cannot fathom this great love
Oh! How lo-ved can I be!

Chorus
Silently taking the wings of the morning
Riding upon sweet waves of grace given me
Nowhere to run or to hide from Your presence
Not even in the deepest depths of the sea

Ah! Where can I flee to
Shall I even try, ’cause
Even unto heaven You’ll find me
Or in the pit with its flaws

Forever You are with me
Your right hand it holds
The darkness of night will not cover
Into dark Your light, it folds

Chorus
Silently taking the wings of the morning
Riding upon sweet waves of grace given me
Nowhere to run or to hide from Your presence
Not even in the deepest depths of the sea

My emotions are laid bare
And in my mother’s womb
I was beautifully formed and loved
On my Maker’s perfect loom

More in number than the sand
Your precious thoughts of me
If I’m awake or sleeping soundly
My enemies have to flee

Chorus
Silently taking the wings of the morning
Riding upon sweet waves of grace given me
Nowhere to run or to hide from Your presence
Not even in the deepest depths of the sea

Please search me and know my heart
Cleanse out impurity
Lead me in the way everlasting
May this be my surety

Oh! On the wings of a brand new day
Heaven’s breath showing me His way

Oh! On the beautiful morning wings
His love in my heart, here to stay

Psalm 139 KJV
1 O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.
19 Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate Thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Sea of Love

On January 21, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Healing, Inspiration, Photography, Poems, Promise, Trials & Blessings2 Comments

Draw me out like the tide, Lord
Into the sea of love
Let ripples of Living Water, Lord
Wash me and lift me gently to You above

Swells of moonlit ocean spray
Cleansing and setting free
Oh! Lift me closer to Thee, Lord
As deep unto deep sings to me

Further and further, keep drawing Lord
I’m now as smooth as smooth can be
I’m shining in Thy reflection, Lord
And this grain of heaven’s sand takes her place
Takes her place in Your golden sea

RIVERS OF MERCY (Song Lyrics)

On January 10, 2026 By Poetry CottageIn Christianity, Healing, Hope, Inspiration, Songs4 Comments

fast flowing river

His rivers of mercy never run dry
His rivers of mercy, and I wonder why
Why He has chosen
This heart for His child
Why does He love me so

His rivers of mercy never run dry
His rivers of mercy, and I wonder why
Why He has saved me
Lovingly made me
Why does He love me so

His beautiful Word
Sings a melody
And all my life, will lead
And this I know
For His Word tells me so
And His Word is all that I need

O Jesus, O Jesus
Your rivers of mercy consumed
And this hidden bud
Once captive in thorns
Is free at last
Fragrance released

Broken hearts will be touched
Songs of joy enter in
Darkness, it will have to flee
And all because, our Father’s love
Is embraced in unfailing mercy

Your rivers of mercy never run dry
Your rivers of mercy, and I wonder why
Why You have chosen
This heart for Your child
Why do You love me so

Your rivers of mercy never run dry
Your rivers of mercy, and I wonder why
Why You have saved me
Lovingly made me
Why do You love me so

Rivers of mercy
Rivers of mercy
Flowing from Your throne
Rivers of mercy
Rivers of mercy
I will never be alone
Never be alone
Never be alone
Rivers of mercy