Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 10/11

 Here's a link to a great, short reel from Rabbi Josh Franklin, speaking on Yom Kippur about his understanding of atonement.

In that same vein, here's a prayer I've written for us Christians who seek to atone for our sins, to measure how quickly we turn from our faults and make our way home to God...

You call me back to atone, 

to return,  
when you see how I've drifted

and gone away...

I stray from knowing your  holy presence, 

but you never take your eyes off me;
you take not even one step away:
you're beside me, behind me,
above and below me,
you're with me, Lord, on all sides...

 

But it only takes a turn of my heart,
a twist of my thoughts
in the blink of an eye
for me to forget (or do I fear?) 
how close you are in every hour 

of every night and day...

I stray from your love
though you're so close at hand
and believe, in self-pity

you no longer care...

 

I choose my own way
as you walk by my side;
you follow my steps
as I turn from your path...

 

I want my own way
and insist that I'm right;

I assign you the blame

as I count my troubles...

But you stay by my side
and give me the freedom
to take your hand or walk away

in my foolishness and my fear...

And still you remain,
right by my side,
though I close my eyes
to yours seeking mine...

But you call me back, to atone, to return,
and with all my heart, I know you're right:
I've drifted, I've strayed, I've gone away,
I'm lost and need to be found...

 

Give the grace, Lord, to turn my heart,

to turn my mind and thoughts to you;
to remember and trust how close you are,
how near's the mercy you offer...

 

Call me back to atone and return

to the outstretched arms of your love

and ready my heart to be shaped again

in the image of your heart for me...

Amen.

Tweet   

SUBSCRIBE HERE!