The Deer Hunter's Prayer

My flesh soon will give up its losing fight,
Having trekked mournfully from birth to dust;
Undaunted hope spins webs of visions bright,
That a perch on high waits for me, I trust,
Which in sweetest bliss He and I can share,
And once more view with Him the break of day.
As dawn's light dispels the night's hidden snare,
And sylvan cool entices deer out to play.
I think He'll beckon me with a knowing smile,
From His own lofty seat of sweeping view,
Where rapt we sit and let nature beguile
For countless morns yet to dawn fresh and new.
Who knows but what He'll give me leave to stay
Near Him to hail the start of every day?

November marks the start of deer hunting season in some places. Countless hunters
sitting high and alone in stands, amid pitch-black darkness and nothing but their own thoughts to keep them company, surrounded by stillness and silence deep in the woods, can't help but get closer to God. Of all people, the hunter knows Who created nature; if he doesn't when he begins to hunt, he will after some experience. Many a hunter's soul has been won to the Lord in the inky darkness of a deep-woods deer house in the hour before the first ray of light from the east.

My best prayers and deepest communion with God have occurred during the hours spent in a deer stand. I know other hunters have similar experiences, because it is easier to talk about spiritual truths in the woods where God is close. I have gotten into new hunting stands and seen the 5 crosses carved into the wood that have aided some hunter to say his prayers, and to remind him of his Savior.

But, in truth, we know there won't be days and nights as we know them on earth in heaven. There will be no sun, and the light in heaven emanates from the Lord Jesus Christ.