When my soul’s bone dry, shrunk by grief
and thirsty for solace and luxury,
then make of my coronary heart a sponge, Lord,
parched, absorbent and porous,
ready to soak in waters of mercy,
streams of lasting peace…
Make of my coronary heart a sponge, Lord,
ingesting in each consoling phrase,
each candy reminiscence of happier days,
each photograph of fine occasions previous,
each lyric of each tune
of each music that soothes my soul…
Make of my coronary heart a sponge, Lord,
moistened by tears of sorrow and pleasure,
immersed in waves of grief and hope,
imbibing the love of household and mates…
Make of my coronary heart a sponge, Lord,
crammed with the waters of saving grace,
soaked within the promise of life to return,
drenched within the hope solely religion provides…
Make of my coronary heart a sponge, Lord,
to carry and to maintain each heat embrace,
each story instructed, each silence shared,
each e-mail and textual content, each phrase and prayer
that touches my soul with therapeutic peace…
Defend me, Lord, whereas I am awake
and watch over me whereas I sleep
that awake, I would maintain watch with you
and asleep relaxation in your peace…
Amen.
