May I Reflect Your Inward Light

As a chalice cast of gold,
Burnished, bright and brimmed with wine,
Make me, Lord, as fit to hold
Grace & truth & love divine.
Let my praise & worship start
With the cleansing of my heart.

Save me from the soothing sin
Of the empty cultic deed
And the pious, babbling din
Of the claimed but unlived creed.
Let my actions, Lord, express
What my tongue & lips profess.

When I bend upon my knees,
Clasp my hands or bow my head,
Let my spoken, public pleas
Be direct, simply said,
Free of tangled words that mask
What my soul would plainly ask.

When I dance or chant your praise,
When I sing a psalm or hymn,
When I preach your loving ways,
Let my heart add its Amen.
Let each cherished, outward rite
Thus reflect your inward light.

 by Tom Troeger