Servant

Whatever title, privilege or prestige
others may give me,
I am your servant, Holy One.

When I look at another,
may I do so with eyes
of compassion and generosity,
not of desire and deception;

when I speak to another,
may I do so with a voice
of wisdom and trust,
not of manipulation and arrogance;

when I am given a chance
to serve my sisters and brothers,
may I do so with an open heart
and outstretched hope,
not grudgingly
while worrying about my loss;

when you seek
to dwell in my heart,
may I empty myself
so I can be filled.

I am your servant, Holy One.

--Thom M. Shuman, in from Like Leaves to the Sun: Prayers from the Iona Community, 2013