THE SECRET PLACE

All I see are battle lines drawn, placards on lawns across cities calling me to Fight.

I am weary and drawn over the rule of men and money quietly changing hands for favors given.

And an eternal birthright and calling sold for mere pottage. Divine rights claimed and hands pointing fingers at one another. Voices clamoring in the din, demanding to be heard, to vilify.

Oh Lord, may I remember that I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me.

But you delight in the truth and the inward me. And you teach me your wisdom in that secret place.

Create in me a clean heart, that I might remember who I am to be.

Renew a right spirit in me that I might please you and that I might not take up arms for the might of men.

Keep me close to your heart and the things that truly matter and keep the flame of the joy of my salvation hot and bright.

Send me, a man with myriad faults and foolish actions, a sinner to the core, send me to proclaim your goodness and to remind those of who you really are. Let my lips speak your truth but not utter any falsity. May they be clean and pure and may my spirit be right.

You are full of grace and you are slow to anger. You are rich in love and good to all.

May all know that you, who is justice by His nature is also full of mercy and is longsuffering.

You do not ridicule nor you demean. You, your heart is gentle and good, you will not bend a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. You do not mock nor do you claim sides. You are the Lord of the Neither as you told Joshua.

Create in me a clean heart to live justly and look on others as you would look on me.

May I never hold by lines drawn by men but may I be about the ministry of reconciliation and may I speak rightly at any injustice that does not bear with your Spirit and may I hold fast even if I should stand alone.

May I hold tightly to your heart and may it be cleansed with a renewed spirit and may you increase my giftings to build up rather than destroy.

And teach me to know your heart above all else.