Thirteenth Meditation
(Seventh Letter)

"Thus says the LORD: The heavens are my throne, the earth is my footstool. What kind of house can you build for me; what is to be my resting place? My hand made all these things when all of them came to be, says the LORD. This is the one whom I approve: the lowly and afflicted man who trembles at my word." (1)


The Oratory

An oratory's built for prayer,
Within the center of her soul;
She returns to Him often there,
That Love may dwell with love made whole.

To go to Him, there is no need
For pilgrimages far and wide,
Or devotions which may impede --
These are but means best left outside.

With what humble patience He waits
For her to hear His gentle call!
She turns within, when noise abates,
To be with Him who is her All.

Her mind is pacified and clear;
Her soul's attuned to Spirit's flow;
Her heart is stilled, open to hear:
Him speak gently with heart aglow.

His presence beats tranquillity
Within her heart's oratory.

May the Spirit establish His oratory deep within us, that we may retire with Him in His presence as often as we are called.