Poets & Saints

Scripture  Habakkuk 2:3 (NRSVUE)For there is still a vision for the appointed time;  it speaks of the end and does not lie.  If it seems to tarry, wait for it;  it will surely come, it will not delay.Refrain  I am learning to wait with trust.Quote  John of the CrossIn order to arrive at what you do not know,  you must go by a way which you do not know.  In order to arrive at what you do not possess,  you must go by a way in which you do not possess.

Scripture  Isaiah 43:18–19 (NRSVUE)Do not remember the former things,  or consider the things of old.  I am about to do a new thing;  now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness  and rivers in the desert.Refrain  I am learning to make room.Quote  Meister EckhartTo be empty of all things is to be full of God.  To be full of all things is to be empty of God.

Scripture  Psalm 62:8 (NRSVUE)Trust in him at all times, O people;  pour out your heart before him;  God is a refuge for us.---Refrain  I am learning to name what is true.---Quote  Julian of NorwichFor I saw no wrath in God,  nor ever shall.  For our Lord is God, and God is good,  and goodness is enough to answer for all.

Scripture  Lamentations 3:22–23 (NRSVUE)The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,  his mercies never come to an end;  they are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness.---Refrain  I am learning to notice what is here.---Quote  George HerbertPrayer the Church’s banquet, Angel’s age,  God’s breath in man returning to his birth,  The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage.

Scripture  Psalm 131:2 (NRSVUE)But I have calmed and quieted my soul,  like a weaned child with its mother;  my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.---Refrain  I am learning to pay attention.---Quote  Simone Weil, *Waiting for God*The key to a Christian conception of studies is the realization that prayer consists of attention.  It is the orientation of all the attention of which the soul is capable toward God.

Scripture  Galatians 6:9 (NRSVUE)So let us not grow weary in doing what is right,  for we will reap at harvest time,  if we do not give up.Refrain  I am learning to stay with the work.Quote  Benedict of NursiaLet us set out on this way with the Gospel for our guide,  that we may deserve to see him who has called us into his kingdom.

Scripture  Luke 19:8–9 (NRSVUE)Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,  “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor;  and if I have defrauded anyone of anything,  I will pay back four times as much.”  Then Jesus said to him,  “Today salvation has come to this house.”Refrain  I am learning to turn again.Quote  Julian of NorwichOur Lord does not say, “You shall not be tempted,  you shall not be troubled,  you shall not be distressed,”  but he says, “You shall not be overcome.”

Scripture  Joel 2:12–13 (NRSVUE)Yet even now, says the LORD,  return to me with all your heart,  with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;  rend your hearts and not your clothing.  Return to the LORD, your God,  for he is gracious and merciful,  slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.Refrain  I return to what is true.Quote  Augustine of HippoRemember, you are dust.  Yet you are dust breathed upon by God.

Scripture  Psalm 103:14 (NRSVUE)For he knows how we were made;  he remembers that we are dust.Refrain  I am learning to receive my limits.Quote  Meister EckhartIf the only prayer you ever say in your entire life  is thank you,  it will be enough.