I would not be relieved of pains
And so, perchance, forget my Lord.
Cut not these ties with brandished sword,
For I rejoice in all my chains-
They bind to Christ.
Request for me in earnest prayer
An inward and an outward strength
To act in truth and so, at length,
Be counted worthy as God's heir-
In Jesus' sight.
I am God's wheat; may I be ground
By martyrdom to bread most pure.
Herein is now my freedom sure:
I am with Christ in union found-
A sacrifice.
I only ask that you do not
Petition God for my release.
And do not set me at my ease,
Nor offer me a sweeter lot-
I want to die.
My place is not this earthen sod.
I'm sick for home; I cannot wait.
Permit me, then, to imitate
The passion of my Christ, my God-
My source of life.
My love is crucified and dead,
Nor burn within the hungry fires
Of time-slaved needs. My one desire's
To have my fill of heaven's bread-
And blood for wine.
Reject me not, I would not live
According to the way of men.
So slay my body, slay my sin,
But save my soul that I may give-
All praise to Christ.
Written after reading his Epistle to the Romans
Posted by kcourter at setembro 14, 2003 2:28 PM