keep the promises:
You hear needy people’s groans;
You will stop thieves of poor folks.
Your Words gleam like sun on ice,
Pure as baby’s first teardrops.
Love, safeguard hassled people;
extricate us from rat-racers
who parade degradation.
13
Mercy, God, how much longer?
When, if ever, will we see You?
When will global conflict end?
How long will horrors persist?
Do You realize our confusion?
Let us see You; help us know You.
Otherwise we sink and drown while
gloaters smile to see us flounder.
But we trust Your loving power;
your provision keeps us joyful,
overflowing with new love songs.
Thank You, divine ever-close Friend.
14
Foolish hearts insist there is no God.
Rotten characters rape and bribe;
no one is good. God is looking:
is anyone looking for God?
Does anybody understand?
No, all are headstrong; none do right.
Arrogant critics, can’t You see?
You are swallowing up people
and thereby disrespecting God!
Dread will overwhelm You because
Holy Advocate stands with victims.
Though crooks bulldoze poor people’s dreams
God’s live word resurrects vision,
spurs actions toward Earth’s Renewal!
Let the festive singing begin.
15
Great Spirit, who is welcome in Your
Secret Place? Who is at home there?
Those with bright, clean lifestyles, sincere
folks who do not backbite or revile.
These humble, brave souls cannot be
swayed by vileness or violence.
They affirm all who respect God.
No matter the consequences, they
keep their word. The poor can borrow
interest-free—no penalties, no bribes.
What a beautiful, solid life!
16
Spirit, hover close:
keep us under cover, Master.
Our work is worthless
without Your Leading.
Hooray for Godly People,
Friends of Earth, our True Friends always.
Idol fan-club crazies
will capsize weekly, daily.
We refuse them tribute,
not gracing their names with mention.
Love Source God, our Benefactor:
thanks for jobs that provide plenty.
Praise to You, Loving Spirit
Whose Counsel lights our night musings.
Keep us focused, Holy Guide,
purpose clear, in sync with You.
Joy will buoy our hearty voicing;
Your Sweet Peace eases all strained nerves.
Breath of all Creation’s Life,
breathe through us Your Re-creation.
Life-Way Escort, thank You;
we are Alive in Love always.
17
Grant us a hearing, God:
our plea is warranted;
we’re telling the whole truth.
Pronounce us not guilty.
You see our true motives;
You probe our heart mind links
for night-hatched plots, and find
no deceit, greed or spite.
Because we follow You,
money or violence
cannot seduce us.
When we pray we know You
listen and will answer.
Reveal Your Wondrous Love
to harassed refugees.
Watch us like a Mother;
shelter and protect us
from those whose words can kill.
Threat-hurlers surround us:
their proud mouths yip and yap;
from hard-shelled hearts clammed shut
their mean looks pummel us.
Face them down now, Spirit.
Free us from high-flying
doom-deservers who stuff
their bored children senseless.
We will see You and rest
our case in the morning.
18
God, we love You, we trust Your power;
Spirit, You’re our Sanctuary Tower.
When we called, Huge Holy Love,
You rescued us from every gun.
Deadness slithered across our spirits
spewing venom without limits.
Cornered, we cried “Help!” O God, You heard;
Heaven’s Tender Ear bent earthward.
Tremors rattled rocks, shook mountains;
holy anger spurted molten.
You split skies, ripped through storm clouds,
crackled light beams and spattered ice drops.
You voiced rage in flood and thunder
but did not leave us floundering.
Holy Spirit, You held us close,
transported us to Your Safe House.
Far from rip-off gangs and hecklers we played;
You sang us lullabies, kept us loyal.
Faithful people know You faithful;
healthy ones in You are healthful.
Truthful speakers find Your Word true,
but