NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 6/13

Twelve years ago when I was on my annual retreat at Eastern Point in Gloucester, Fr. Dick Stanley, SJ  was at the keyboard at mass and played John Bell's "Take, O Take Me As I Am."  That was the first time I'd heard this piece and its lyrics shaped my whole retreat experience that week.  I've always been grateful to Dick for introducing me to this song and for its place in my prayer life.  This week the Lord summoned Dick out of this life, just as he was, home to his eternal reward.   As a prayer for his soul and in gratitude for his ministry, turn with me again to this beautiful song...

Take, O Take Me As I Am by John Bell

 

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Take, O take me as I am, Lord,

    not as I wish I might have been,

    not as I wish I were,

    not as I wanted to be today,

    not as I hope to be tomorrow

    but just as I am today:

        the person who stands before you

        knowing there's nothing about me

        you don't already know...

Take me in your arms, Lord, just as I am...

 

Summon out what I shall be, Lord,

    Summon to the surface what I'm afraid to face

        and pardon what needs mercy

        mend what has been  broken,

        and heal my every wound...

    Summon from my depths, Lord,

        the person you created me to be,

        made in your image and likeness,

        loved by you since before all time...

Summon me just as I am, Lord,

    to stand in the light of your love...

Set your seal upon my heart, Lord,
    and with the touch of your gentle hand: 

        seal my soul with mercy,
        seal my heart with love,
        seal my thoughts with wisdom
        and my soul with saving grace... 

Touch my soul with your love, Lord,

    and set your seal upon my heart... 

 

And live in me, Lord...

    dwell in me, dwell with me 

        in peace and in joy,

    dwell deep inside me, 

        my friend and companion:

        my soul's own housemate,

        my heart's desire

            who desires me...

Come into my heart as it beats today

    and stay with me, Lord, all the days of my life...

 

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

    and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

 

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