BEFORE YOU, LORD, WHO CAN PRETEND? (PSALM 131)

Before you, Lord, who can pretend
to more than mind can comprehend?
Who dares to pray with prideful stare,
with selfish heart, or haughty air?

   O people chosen, called, and blessed, 
   wait for the Lord and trusting rest
   where hope grows strong and cares decrease:
   the calm, still center of God's peace.

Save us, O God, from frantic hearts;
unleash our lives from greed's grim arts; 
reform us from our envious bent,
and teach our souls to be content.

   O people chosen, called, and blessed, 
   wait for the Lord and trusting rest
   where hope grows strong and cares decrease:
   the calm, still center of God's peace.

Held like a child serene and sure
who on its mother rests secure,
may we rely on you alone
and know our life to be your own.

   O people chosen, called, and blessed, 
   wait for the Lord and trusting rest
   where hope grows strong and cares decrease:
   the calm, still center of God's peace.