I Open My Heart

I open my heart to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Rummage around in me and fling out what You do not like, of thought and want, of boldness and of fear.

Throw out all You do not like, all of it, and teach my heart to not like it as well. Then put instead, my Leader and my Lord, put into my heart what You would like— all that You would like.

I open my heart, like a young lover, timid and brightened at what I do. Then let me fall in love with You, as I mean to do, and hope to live in love with You— will You put this hope in me?— forever. Amen.

Embraced Forever

I didn’t know I knew these things until You came, encompassing all, being All in it, if Other, loving, “Love itself poured out,” they say. How dear, when I woke up so tense at all I know and don’t, to find You, waiting for me to wake, giving me to know that You are here, always here, everywhere, waiting—so beautiful and sweet You embarrass language. Your real makes my real an icon, and You give me this knowing that quells my dread of nothingness. And I embrace You, to find You have been embracing me forever bringing me to know You my Beloved.