Have mercy on me, O Gracious One, according to your steadfast love;
According to your abundant kindness forgive me where
my thoughts and deeds have hurt others.
Lead me in the paths of justice, guide my steps on paths of peace!
Teach me, that I may know my weaknesses, the shortcomings that bind me,
The unloving ways that separate me, that keep me from recognizing your life in me;
For, I keep company with fear, and dwell in the house of ignorance.
Yet, I was brought forth in love, and love is my birthright.
You have placed your truth in the inner being; therefore, teach me the wisdom
of the heart.
Forgive all that binds me in fear, that I might radiate love;
cleanse me that your light might shine in me.
Fill me with gladness; help me to transform weakness into strength.
Look not on my past mistakes but on the aspirations of my heart.
Creat in me a clean heart, O Gracious One, and put a new and right spirit within me. Enfold me in the arms of love, and fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace, and encourage me with a new spirit.
Then I will teach others your ways, and prisoners of fear will return to You.
Deliver me from the addictions of society, most Gracious One,
O keep me from temptations that I may tell of your justice and mercy.
O Gracious One, open my lips and my mouth shall sing forth your praise.
For You do not want sacrifice; You delight in our friendship with You.
A sacrifice most appropriate is a humble spirit;
a repentant and contrite heart, O Merciful One,
is the gift You most desire.
Let the nations turn from war; and encourage one another as good neighbors.
O most Gracious and Compassionate Friend,
melt our hearts of stone, break through the fears that lead us into darkness,
and Guide our steps into the way of peace.
How long, my Beloved?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear this pain in my soul,
and live with sorrow all the day?
How long will fear rule my life?
Notice my heart and answer me,
O my Beloved; enlighten me, lest I walk as one dead to life;
Lest my fears say, "We have won the day;"
Lest they rejoice in their strength.
As I trust in your steadfast Love;
my heart will rejoice,
for in You is freedom.
I shall sing to the Beloved,
who has answered my prayers a thousand fold!
Come, O Beloved, make your home in my heart.
O my Beloved, though I have turned from You,
continue to enfold me with your love;
Be gracious to me, Heart of my heart, for I am sad and weary.
Surround me with your healing light, that my body, mind, and soul might heal.
How long must I wait, O Love?
I open the door of my heart to you, my Beloved,
Enter in and imbue me with your steadfast Love.
I shall remember You all my days;
I shall sing praises to You throughout the nights.
I am tired of so many fears; I cry myself to sleep at night;
grief and feelings of guilt bedim my eyes with tears;
All my doubts, my fears, are creating walls so that I know not love.
Depart from me, you enemies of wholeness,
for the Beloved is aware of my cry;
Love has heard my prayer; and hastens to answer my call.
Though my fears are running for cover, yet they shall be transforemed by Love,
All that was in darkness shall come into the Light.
Praise the Beloved!
Praises be to You in earth's sanctuary;
praises be to You in the mighty firmament!
Praise the mighty works of Love;
Praise the glory and extol the greatness of Love Divine!
Give praise with trumpets;
give praise with lute and harp!
Give praise with timbrel and dance;
give praise with strings and reed!
Give praise with booming drums;
give praise with crashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Beloved with their lives!
May it be so now and forever! Amen.
