The Prayer of Tears

 

Lord, Beloved God

        Since all communion with you is prayer

      May even my tears be psalms of petition

      And canticles of praise to You.

This is a prayer the You value greatly:

      The prayer of my tears;

      It is a prayer that You always hear.

And, Lord, I know You understand

      That when I am overcome by my tears-

      Unable to speak or form a prayer-

      That these very tears voice volumes of verse.

 

All truly great prayer

      Rises from deep inside

      And springs spontaneously to the surface.

It would them seem

      That from among the many beautiful prayers,

      The sacred songs and canticles of praise,

      My tears may be the best worship of all.

 

Help me not to be ashamed of them;

      Show me how I can let go of control

      And let this prayer of my heart, my tears,

      Flow naturally and freely to You,

      My Blessed Lord and Divine Lover.

In times of Joy or sorrow,

      Blessed be my tears,

      The holy prayers of my heart.

AMEN

(from Pray All Ways by Edward Hays)