You have called me to open my hand

    so that you can fill it.

 

But I would not open my hand.

I held the world tightly 

    and kept my hand shut.

I would not let it go.

 

But please God,

    open my hand for me.

And do not only open my hand, 

    but also open my mouth –

  and not only my mouth,

    but my heart also.

 

Grant that I may know nothing but you,

    that I may count everything as loss compared to you,

    and that I may strive to be conformed to you.

 

Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667, English cleric, imprisoned during the Protectorate

 

__________________________

 

 

I am the Lord your God,
    who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.