Fixed intensely on God (Psalm 63)

   As this morning breaks through,  

I am looking to you to strengthen me.  

                         

O God,  

my ache is deep for you; 

my soul and my body are stretched to 

and beyond 

the limit: 

so dry, 

so thirsty, 

so desperate for you. 

                          

I am fixed on you intensely,  

right there – in your holy place. 

                         

Radiant in strength, 

Centered, grounded in your glory. 

                          

The beauty of this life 

cannot even claim a closeness 

to the lavish presence of your love. 

                         

I can never complete 

what is more than an entire lifetime of praise, 

with my arms and hands 

reaching out to you. 

                         

All night long, I am awake, 

tossing and consumed 

with the memory of you – 

it fills my night. 

                          

You always help me, 

and I am here beneath your wings, 

lost in my rejoicing; 

I am clinging to you, 

knowing that your right hand 

will sustain me 

while the ground churns and turns beneath me,   

                         

Keeping me safe. 

--Psalm 63, adapted by Catholic composer David Haas,  

My Heart is Ready:  Psalm-Poems for Prayer and Proclamation and 

Praying as Living Reminders:  Morning and Evening Prayer with Henri Nouwen, 

copyright 2016, 2017. 

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