Slowing Our Steps - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

Slowing our steps
measured steps, of remembrance
pilgrims, yoking our lives with Christ
and with the first disciples
journeying with them, his face to Jerusalem

Slowing our steps
to Bethany, to Bethpage
to a donkey’s stable
to the Mount of Olives

Slowing our steps
Walking with them, in preparation
sitting with them in the upper room
sharing the Passover, in reflection
the new words, the bread and the wine

Slowing our steps
the coolness of the garden
the deepening night
the master in prayer

Quickening our steps
running naked from the garden
fear and despair
the shepherd at their mercy

Slowing our steps, stealth
hiding, in the courts watching
the trial, the judgment
the suffering of our Lord

Slowing our steps, ponderous
following, tears in our eyes
walking the dusty road
leading to the skull
to the cross

Our steps at an end,
standing at the cross
watching in disbelief
watching in despair
Christ dying on the cross
the world in darkness

Our steps leading, slowing our steps
leading to the grace
the body laid
the stone closing the tomb

Our steps, now in prayer, kneeling
being as they were,
wondering what will be
our Master in the tomb.

April 11, 2009
John 18:1-19:42
Job 14:1-14
Upper Room Disciplines 2009 – April 10, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines 2009 – April 11, 2009
Alive Now – April 11, 2009,
“The Great Vigil of Easter”