Because I Wanted More

I have been on a reading jag this week.
One book on prayer, generally.
A second book on the prayers of Paul.
A third book that recommends silence.

A missionary biography of a woman in India;
A woman in Central Africa Republic;
A woman in Mozambique.

A book on memorizing Scripture.
A book on the books of Scripture.
(This doesn’t include just reading Scripture. That, too.)

Then I had no more joy.

I don’t pray as much as I should,
Nor make requests as Paul,
Nor often make time for silence.

I have not gone to either
Africa or Asia.
I claim no orphanage or revival.

I have failed every time I began to memorize a book.

Why would things offered for my aid
Prove death to me?