In Christ Alone

Trapped by guilt, gripped by fear. Where, O Lord, are you? Are my songs and cries nothing but empty praises? Alone in darkness, alone in light. Where, O Lord, are you? To where shall I run? For how long shall I hide? Lost and afraid, broken and hurt. Where, O Lord, are you? Where is your still, faint whisper? Where are your healing hands? My soul cries out in desperation for your touch.

My heart is weak and filthy, my flesh fails; Filled with doubts and unbelief. Love I chase, faith I seek; Both so far out of reach. Grace, mercy, love, and hope None I can comprehend. My soul cries out in desperation for your touch.

To the cross I look, on my knees I bow; To you my heart cries out, "Blessed be the life-giving, death-defying God! You have caused me to be born again to a living hope Through the resurrection of your Son from the dead at Calvary." Where, then, will I place my hope? Whom, then, will I run to?

I no longer want to live under the shadow of control, delay, complacency, and fear. Please free me from these bondage, Lord. 

Please free me from the idols in my life - relationship/friendships, status, money, career/future plans, etc - for these are not my primary pursuits. You are/should be the primary pursuit in our lives, so help me to pursue You first.

Please free me from all the fear in my life - uncertainties, failure, relationship/friendships, rejection, abandonment, hardships, risks, mistakes, etc. Help me surrender all these strongholds, coming before you with a submissive heart, Lord.

"O Lord, make me generous. Mary, Lazarus's sister, anointed your feet with very costly ointment and wiped them with her hair. I am still so much like Judas, who considered this a waste and felt that the money could have been better spent by giving it to the poor.

"I am so stingy, Lord--especially with my time. I always want to do useful things, and am afraid to waste my "very costly" time. But you want me to sit at your feet like Mary and just be there, resting with you, listening to your words.

"O Lord, make me generous. How will I ever be able to serve the poor if I cannot be poor with you? How can I ever be close to the poor if I don't want you to be close to me? How will I ever be able to show your love to others if I am not free enough to let you show your love to me?