I Ask

Father I come before you this morning to pray.

I ask you to lead me and show your way

You said: "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it"

These words overwhelm me. I am in dismay.

What shall I ask you? What shall I say?

I say: Don't let me speak in haste. Don't let me burst any word out.

I think: This is an opportunity I can't waste. Let me set aside my doubt.

I say: Let me in the stillness of your presence stay.

I want to see things your way.

Don't let me speak, muzzle my mouth, don't let me utter a single word.

It's not my voice Lord, but my heart you heard.

For, from its silent stillness, flows this desire,

That my heart and will align to yours,

That my heart beat to the rhythm of yours,

That I could remain close to you.

After a long silence...

I realized that I was free to speak, and boldly say:

I ask that whatever I say, whatever I do, whatever I lose,

whatever I recive,would glorify you.

If my heart and will are aligned to yours, and you lead me by your hand

if your Holy Spirit is making me understand.

Then again I bodly ask:

Lead me always, never leave my side.

Let me acknowledge you first in all I do.

Let me never lose heart, and always wait on you.

Let me in all I ask and all I do, seek first to honor you.

From this right standing in my heart, God's true peace is born,

and I no longer feel torn.

Praise be to God, our fortress, and place of solace.

Ana Cecilia Petersen

Friday, January 19, 2007.