Lord

Lord I say – I can’t say it without your help
But it isn’t enough to enter into the kingdom
I say it to my own Petrine cock-crowing shame
But I have, Lord, Lord, prophesied in your name

Jesus

They say you were―that you are―a man like I am
But the only sin you had you weren’t tempted to
Instead you had all the sins for which I long
And you had them on the cross where they belong

Christ

God, you raised Lazarus from the four-days dead
But I was still-born and lived dead these years
Just waiting to cry until given life for death
And to hear the cry that will make me draw breath

Son

You have prodigally called me, wasting your living
On a pig who has gone to the dogs beneath the table
All I ask is that you let me lick clean your wounds
Fill me with yourself until I have been consumed

Of

Course sometimes there is an apostrophe, a pause
To remind us of position, possession, and procession
And the promise of something missing restored
To have been given a name is enough of a reward

God,

There is no wrong way to scream out to you
Your name may be taken but never called in vain
Each “Oh my God” says we are yours, you are mine
Our thirst for you is found in each glass of wine

Have

I done what I could on my own without you first?
Have I unplugged and rebooted and refreshed?
No, or I’d have realized I was without your power
And―maybe―would have not wasted this needed hour

Mercy

Is not strained but pours a stream of blood and water
A pool to wash not only my eyes, but head and hands
If only I had someone who would help me down in
Oh Lord! Come carry me like you carried my sin

On

You all this was already laid, on the cross, right now
And I only feel like I am still carrying it all of it
Because you are carrying me, and I carry it too
Instead of letting go of it and holding on to you

Me,

All I have left to lose is what was never actually mine
And all I stand to gain is what you have already given
It is all up to me and it all comes down to you
You have already come down and taken me up too

The

Temptation I have is common to all men, even you
But I am the only sinner without any good excuse
And since you are the only savior of sinners alone
I know you will hear and help me when I groan

Sinner.

That is my entire state. Mercy. That is all I need
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, my only salvation
This prayer asks for all I need, hope or want
Pray, pray, pray again, and repeat until silent