Psalm 152.

Deliver me Lord from those

Who would take me from You

If only they could.

***

Deliver me from this World and the lying enemy,

Its false glitter, temptations and subtle promises,

From its tidal wave threats buckling me over,

And the vain pursuit of self, mammon and power.

Help me to run when others will remain seated,

To stand when others when others will sleep;

May my lamp not slowly fade away,

Sliding into shadows turning grey.

***

Deliver me from the Church so proud,

From hearts as hard as mortar and stone,

From systems and programs and cheap words,

Stay with me Lord, for I am so alone.

Take me from this club of comfort

And breathe fire into this numb heart,

Save our souls from the sweet poison

Of indifference and presumption.

***

Deliver me from Myself,

And my ever deceitful heart,

Help me to forgive them Lord,

And to love those sharp enemies.

Save me from a distrusting heart,

From all the doubt and blame,

From bitterness and guilt,

From all the little games.

***

I want to know your everlasting love,

Not in my head, but in this desert heart,

Fill it Lord like rain from above,

Like years ago at the start,

Let me look unto You,

Let me draw near you Jesus,

And again be new. © T.S.Punch: May 2006.