Please Lord, don’t hide yourself from me. For the beauty of this world, which I take pleasure in, loses all meaning apart from You.
Some appear to find contentment in this world, looking no further than their senses; they find thoughts of You unnecessary.
But I cannot live that way. There is no beauty apart from You; and that which I find beautiful becomes distraction, and painful, without You.
I am amazed that others appear to not need You; so I have forced myself into their shoes. I’ve searched out the secrets of their autonomy, but have found nothing.
Still, I doubt myself; is it rather pathology, and not sympathy, that leads me to You, dear Lord? Yes, I am ill and I am weak without You.
Come, Lord please, fill my heart and dwell within me. Let me not look upon any pleasant thing in this life, if You will not reveal Yourself therein.
When others stand afar off, doubting and bemused, I’ve both attempted to convince them to believe, and have hidden my belief; because sometimes it is lonely searching for You in this world.
When I’ve found You, hidden in my heart, so that the world unfolds miraculously before me, then I have prayed that others also would believe and find You; because it is lonely in this world without You.
Lord, what is this life without You? It seems to me a sad travesty and a pale parody. Please reveal Yourself to us, let us see and know Your love and beauty. Enliven these dead bones with Your Spirit; breathe Life into this life, that we all may Live.
~FS
Prayerful Life 