probe my motives, wait in silence.
People strive for fame, for money;
let Your Smile be my fulfillment.
Joy from You exceeds all measures;
rest is safe, serene my slumber.
5
Unseen one, hear me crying “Help!”
God, can You understand my sobs?
Every morning You receive us,
offering up ourselves in worship,
hopeful, eager for Your Spirit.
Surly people gain no access
but humble love impels approach;
we kneel awestruck in joyous praise.
Guide us, Spirit, past attackers;
all their words reek with hatred.
God, please cause their schemes to backfire.
Let those who know You gladly sing;
under Your Assault-proof Cover
may Your loving ones enjoy You.
Life with You is Carefree, Wondrous!
We’re Refreshed, Embraced, Protected.
6
Holy One, please do not scold
or treat us harshly.
God, I am exhausted:
heal her aching body;
lift his beaten spirit.
Will Your Love revive us?
How? When? Must we die first?
Sleepless, always weeping,
tired of grieving, we are
sick to death of fights.
Back off, demons! God is Listening,
Receiving each tear, prayer and sigh.
All antagonists, retreat and,
mortified, lay down your weapons.
7
God Alive, our Hideout: Strong Love,
rescue us from haters’ talons.
If we have betrayed our families
or even have loathed enemies,
our defeat may be well-deserved.
God, overcome our blind anger
by Your Calm, Straightforward Judgment.
Rise, preside, and vindicate us:
Wise One, You see our true motives.
Halt all violent endeavors;
guard each truthful, peaceful spirit.
Your Passionate Justice awes us.
Mischief plotters hatch mere bubbles;
trouble-makers drown in trouble.
Thank You, Proactive Advocate;
All praise to You, God Majestic.
8
Your Excellency! Cosmos Creator,
Celestial King: babies sound Your praises;
children’s chanting shames Your foes to silence.
God Whose fingers flung out planets and spun
myriad galaxies into orbit:
Do mere humans merit Your attention?
Do You honor us almost as angels?
You adorn our lives with Glorious Purpose
to tend life on land, in air and water.
God, Your Majesty! Holy Creator!
9
With heart-driven poems we long to praise You.
Celebrating Your astounding actions
we rejoice in Your majestic presence.
May our songs trumpet Your supreme honor.
Accusers give up their case against us,
stunned to face You, Defender of Justice.
Divine One, do You devastate nations
and decimate vengeful, vicious people?
All-Viewing One, You always judge justly,
shelter outcasts, safeguard troubled masses.
God, to know You is to trust You, the One
Who never turns from those who look for You.
You remember and punish bloodshed,
never overlook mistreated people.
God, look on us today in Your Mercy;
draw us from the panicked brink of despair.
May we freely publicize Your Kindness,
thriving in Your Ever-Living power.
Let God-denying regimes self-destruct,
lost in labyrinths designed to trap others.
Your Justice is famous. Wily leaders
who forget You die and are forgotten.
You never forget one needy person
but offer Hope to each soul that suffers.
10
Why the seeming chasm between us?
God,
