Having Coffee with Jesus
It’s common to have trouble praying while grieving. Author Donna Teti shares a remarkable prayer idea to help feel God’s presence during grief in this stunning poem that tells how she “has coffee with Jesus.” Donna was inspired by a vivid image of Christ’s presence with her during the morning “coffee time” that she often spent with her of twin sister before her sister’s sudden death. Donna explains:
“My identical twin sister Sue died suddenly of a stroke just nine days before our 42nd birthday. We lived in the same town so we met for coffee often in the mornings at either Sue’s house, mine or sometimes a coffee shop or park. We shared our concerns, joys, faith and ideas. After she passed I remained faithful to God and to Suzy…I talked with Him often…but in the mornings after the children went to school was my Suzy time! There I sat in my beautiful blue family room where Suzy and I sat so often. Only now I drank my coffee alone. I was so grief-stricken! During this time I’d share with Sue my fears,grief, joys and concerns…just like before. Many mornings I ended our coffee time in tears. One day while I was “talking’ to her and very sad I felt a message come to my heart…Suzy seemed to tell me “Donna it’s not just me here with you in the mornings having coffee…Jesus is here too..don’t forget that. He is here for you.”
Donna has shared this poem with hundreds of those who are grieving and is currently working on a project to make it available in book form.
Having Coffee with Jesus
Each morning as I awake
Sadness floods my heart again
So I pour a cup of coffee and pray
My heart will start to mend
On this particular morning
As my grief began to soar
I went to get the paper
And found Jesus at my door
As He entered through the doorway
Sunlight covered every wall
When He smiled and looked me in the eyes
He stirred my very soul
He thought that I could use a friend
Who knew sorrow and knew pain
He saw that I was grieving
And that is why He came
Jesus knew that I was hurting
And feeling life was quite unfair
And He knew I spent each morning
With good coffee and good prayer
Jesus wanted me to know
In that early morning hour
He was there to share with me
His gentle healing power
He felt that it was important for me
To see Him face to face
Sometimes we need to be engulfed
In a strong and warm embrace
As He wrapped His hug around me
His love through me did flow
Then He asked to sit with me awhile
And have a cup of Joe
As I poured His cup of coffee
I had so much on my mind
Yet He knew what I was thinking
And He answered, she is fine
He told me she is here with me
Each morning while in prayer
She continues to love and care for me
Each day throughout the year
He tried to answer questions
Though the mysteries could not be told
But He asked that I just trust in Him
For someday they would unfold
As we sat and drank our coffee
I stared on in disbelief
That Jesus would actually come to me
And help me through this grief
Jesus said He enjoys these mornings
When I sit with Him and pray
Even though I can not see Him
He is with me every day
As Jesus drank His coffee
I spoke of sorrow, loss and pain
He did not speak but His Presence there
Was healing just the same
He understood my emotions
As He wiped my tears away
He confirmed with a sympathetic smile
These feelings were OK
I said I feared my broken heart
Would never heal completely
Because the loss I felt inside
Was in my soul so deeply
Jesus agreed the pain would subside
But never quite go away
So He would surround that pain with love
As I met with Him each day
He said that when He walked the Earth
He turned to His Father in prayer
It got Him through each moment
When His life seemed quite unfair
He encouraged me with compassion
To look for joy between the tears
There are many Blessings in my life
That will make for happy years
Jesus eyes lit up as He reminded me
Our lives will go well beyond
As He described the joy in Heaven
When all heartache will be gone
Jesus said that He would carry me
Through this aching and this loss
As His Father in Heaven had done for Him
The day He met His cross
He said this is why it is such a gift
Just talking with Him each day
It enables Him to comfort me
As I sit with Him and pray
When Jesus left my house that morning
I knew His Spirit was still there
So I refilled my cup of coffee
And continued on in prayer
Copyright © 2006 by Donna Regina Teti Used by permission. All rights reserved.
