Lamentation

I paint myself the prophet
Though I’ve no words to speak
Nothing from God of Repentance or Grace
But like Jonah I quench the Spirit’s work

They use Your name, Oh Lord
To condemn Your sons and daughters
They close the doors to Heaven
And claim You as their own

No, I am not a prophet
Though I see the abuses and crimes
I see the division and the consternation of my brethren
But reconciliation I do not seek

Instead I flee
In search of a Big Fish to harbor me home
I fear I’ve found it to be my silence
Swallowed up and secluded I steep in anger

Lord, if you asked, I’d lay on one side for ages
If it be your will, I’ll debate religious sages
Show me the whore that you’d have me wed
Or better, ask that I free the oppressed

But God, do not ask me to reconcile
Do not send me to love my close-minded brother
I prefer to brood in contempt of him
To see the speck in one eye and ignore the log in the other

I know You will ask
I know it is Your desire
So God give me strength and obedience
Conform me to Yourself

My complaint against my brother, is Yours against me
I leave your children to wither and die
I pity the plant for which I did not labor
But take joy in the folly of my Brother

Forgive me Lord, for I know what I do
Surround me with Your Grace and Your Mercy
Lead me to repentance that I might be a blessing
And show Your Love to All people-