God, you started it with me.
You hunted me and would not let me loose;
repeatedly – now her, now there – you have suddenly
stepped in my way;
you have captivated me, enticed me, and made my heart
pliable and willing;
you have spoken to me of your longing and eternal love,
of your faithfulness and might;
when I sought strength, you strengthened me;
when I sought support, you supported me;
when I sought forgiveness, you forgave me my guilt.
I did not want it, but you overcame my will,
my resistance, my heart.
God, you have drawn me irresistibly,
and I have given myself to you.
Lord, you have persuaded me,
and I have let myself be persuaded.
You have grabbed me as one without a clue –
and now I cannot get away from you anymore.
You are too strong for me; you have won.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906 – 1945, German Lutheran theologian and martyr
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prayer & verse 