Renewed By The Good News

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.' And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, 'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'" (1)

Renewal

Renew me, Lord, open my eyes:
To see my self, my wounds, my sin,
And let Your truth shine brightly in.

Renew me, Lord, open my ears:
To hear You beckoning my soul,
And let Your word regain control.

Renew me, Lord, loosen my tongue:
To beg forgiveness and mercy,
And thank You as You hear my plea.

Renew me, Lord, release my heart,
From the prison of my desire,
And purify it in Love's fire.

Renew me, Lord, strengthen my legs:
To let me kneel with humble praise,
And follow You in all Your ways.

For You fulfill the prophet's words,
When You announce good news to me
And bring me home whole-heartedly.

I am renewed, healed, and made whole --
Your awesome love restores my soul!
.


(c) Paul Buis, 2000

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(1) Luke 4:16-21