Paraphrase of Psalm 25 by Joan Puls (Franciscan)
One more time I stretch my heart to receive your word.
Difficult as it is for me to trust, I want to abandon
my old enemy, fear.
You ask of me again that I take up the journey
that is metanoia.
That I prepare myself for new moments of fidelity.
I mean today these words so oft-prayed:
make known to me my path —
show me the way you would have me follow —
guide me as I discern the signs and the signals
of your beckoning —
I have been waiting upon your word.
I know that grace is never lacking
And that strength and courage will be bestowed.
I know that my weakness is not the obstacle,
Nor my slowness to convert.
You remind me gently, ever and again, of my own restless search.
In so many little ways you point the one way.
At my first response you plant peace in my heart.
I know that change is inevitable.
I know that I cannot retreat from poverty and the demands
of our human community.
Your words will haunt me until I surrender.
When fear prompts me to distraction and excuse,
You place in my path a need I cannot refuse.
I experience so much fullness and I taste the promise
of your support.
For surely when I dare to go where I fear to go,
I become aware of the security of your friendship.
And my eyes are on your face in the faces of those I meet,
And my feet are freed for walking.
Keep looking at me, and look after me,
For I feel so very alone and unsure.
I drain my energies wrestling with the unknown
And my destination remains but a shadow.
Most of my enemies are within.
They put up strong resistance.
Preserve me from their clamoring, and guide me
in unveiling their illusions.
I wait upon your word.
For my integrity is at stake, and the freedom of my burdened heart.
Your word weights me.
When will I open my eyes,
And set out for your country,
And give your word my flesh?
Service Art
Image 1: Peace-Dove-Web (Flickr) Jimpg2-2015
Image 2: Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoĭ, 1837-1887- Vanderbilt
