Eternal Listener, give heed to Your people, You, who dwell amidst the angels, Shine forth into the heart of All nations! Enliven your people with compassion That peace and justice Might flourish. Restore us, O Holy One; Let your face shine upon us, Teach us to love.
~ Nan Merrill from "Psalm 80, Verse 1" in PSALMS FOR PRAYING
Prayer begins in us the restoration of the divine image, in all its hiddenness and wonder. It brings us closer to the "region of likeness" and every prayer is an act of letting the old self go. It involves "dying". The grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies. Dead, it is destined to bear much fruit.