Psalm 94 from Nan Merrill’s Psalms for Praying

O Heart of Pure Fire, You who

cleanse and refine us,

Compassionate One, shine forth!

In your mercy, rise up and

Awaken those who still sleep

in ignorance!

O Heart of all hearts, break open

the hearts of your people,

that we might hear your Voice

and heed your Word!

Too often we spew forth arrogant words,

we boast with heads held high.

We oppress the weak in our blindness,

and turn a deaf ear to the fire

of the poor.

We ignore the lonely and turn aside

from the stranger,

too many children go hungry to bed.

And, we think, “This is not our concern;

let them pray to God for help!”

The Beloved who created the ear, hears us!

The Beloved who formed the eye, sees us!

Like the nations, we are accountable

for our actions.

Where does knowledge come from, but

the Heart of our heart.

The Beloved knows our thoughts, and

is the very Breath of our breath.

Blessed are those who have confessed their

erring ways,

who have asked for forgiveness.

Blessed are those whose burdens have

been lifted,

who are able to respond with love.

For the Beloved walks with them and

speaks to them in the Silence;

With mercy and compassion, they

are held in Love’s heart;

all who are at one with Love will

live in peace and harmony.

Who will stand with Love and act

with justice?

Who will speak out to silence

The oppressors?

Had the Beloved not come to my rescue,

my soul would still dwell in

the land of darkness.

When I recognised my wrongdoings,

your steadfast Love renewed me,

O Compassionate One.

When cares of my heart were many,

your consolations comforted my soul.

Those who live separated from Love,

do not know the peace and joy of

walking with You.

They gather together to try those

who walk in peace,

And with worldly power, they

condemn the innocent.

Yet the Beloved is a stronghold,

the Comforter, the refuge

of my soul.

The statutes of Truth are certain;

and the Awakening, a promise

to be fulfilled;

Who will be ready for the

new dawn?