Truth in the inward being

Today, a mid-August pause. I share below a poem from Steve Garnaas-Holmes, a meditation on Psalm 51:6. You can hear Steve read the poem in his own voice and view more of his poetry on his website, Unfolding Light.

You desire truth in the inward being;

             therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

                         —Psalm 51.6

O Thou Great Beholding,

You who know what is hidden,

who see and are not deceived:

your judgment is not harsh, but revealing;

not condemning but discerning;

you do not “pass judgment;” you simply see clearly.

Grant me clarity,

to behold what I have denied,

to see how I have deceived myself.

What I have misunderstood, reveal;

what is unconscious, unveil;

bring my shadows into your light.

Give me wisdom to behold my belovedness,

and how I have betrayed it,

and how it remains.

Help me to see myself through your eyes,

with honesty, mercy, and love,

and to live in harmony with that grace.

—Steve Garnaal Holmes

Pastor Jen