Lethargy and the Lion

"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!" (Job 16:21).  "The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets…  Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge… that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" (Proverbs 22:13,20,21).  "Sleepest thou?  Couldest not thou watch one hour?  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak" (Mark 14:37,38).

Shall not Job's prayerful lamentation

That wished that man with God would plead  

For neighbors needing God's salvation

Now stir our hearts to intercede?  

Should not we pray in this dark hour  

And show the truth that makes us free

To those whom Satan would devour?

Will not God judge our lethargy?

Is this a time for us to sleep

As Satan's tactics are employed

To steal, kill, and herd the sheep

Who by deception are destroyed? 

Reprove our lethargy, O Lord,

That fears the lion in the street,

For by Your truth, Your Spirit's sword,

Your foe is bruised beneath Your feet!