A Psalm.

Contend with me, O God!
Turn not your face away,
And hear my plea:
Though against you I struggle
Do not give me over to the darkness
But only hold me fast,
Draw me closer,
Shower me with mercy
And quiet my raging heart.

Once, I fled from you.
You called in the garden and I did not answer.
You spoke truth and I recoiled in bitterness.

Did I think myself wise?
How quickly I brought ruin!
Resolute that I would serve no one,
I wandered through lonely wastelands.
How deep the isolation and despair,
The only companions with me there!

And yet you brought me near;
And still you held me dear;
Though I was a slave to hate and fear
Today, I have been rescued here.

My God! Teach me humility,
Give me the beauty of a servant
Who bows willingly under the weight of your splendor.
Cast me off my throne and carry me
To the low places you yourself walked,
That I might call you
Not only God, but Lord.

O, God! Love me deeply,
Lead me gently by the hand.
Speak to me tenderly and
Plant my feet firmly,
That I might call you
Not only Lord, but Father.

Hem me in, let me remain here.
Even if I should again rebel
Wrestle with this violent body
Until I remember the joy of your embrace,
Your promise until the end of my days.