When We Pray
Share your life with God, speak to Him in prayer,
sing from the mountains, or cry from the depths.
Though at first it is daunting, with practice
daily we will improve, until we perfect
this sacred art. The Spirit will comfort
us in weakness, and guide us as we grow.
It is our duty as children to grow,
to lay hold of virtue, and master prayer;
to find the strength to forsake soft comfort
for a hard cross borne high through smoky depths;
to increase in knowledge of the Perfect
One, and to love every righteous practice.
Good habits are established through practice,
and our own spiritual efforts help us grow.
Continual struggle helps to perfect
that which is lacking. By battling in prayer
we draw near to God, and escape the depths
of sin, trading filth for heaven’s comfort.
We ought not to be constrained by comfort,
but should faithfully put into practice
the Lord’s example, braving any depths
of shame and suffering in order to grow
the Kingdom. The more time we spend in prayer,
the closer we draw to God only perfect.
If we desire a life that is perfect,
we should choose no pleasures, but the comfort
of Christ: whom we follow, devout in prayer,
with faith not in theory but in practice.
We are saved by grace, yet like plants we grow
by craving light, and forsaking our depths.
Those who seek God shall discover the depths
of the riches of His glory: Perfect
love to cast out fear; Grace in which to grow;
Truth to set us free; Hope to give comfort;
Holiness for our own souls to practice...
These fall upon us during every prayer.
Through heights or depths we hold fast this comfort:
that when we practice godliness we grow,
and when we say each prayer, we are perfect.