The Two Ways: A Wisdom Song

Woe to us when we walk in the way of wickedness,
when we bend our ear to the counsel of deceit,
and scoff at what is holy from the seat of pride.
                                        Keep us true to your Way.

Blessings upon us when we delight in the truth of God,
and ponder God’s law by day and by night,
when we stand up for truth in face of the lie,
when we mouth no slogans and betray no friends.
                                        Keep us true to your Way.

Then we shall grow like trees planted by streams of water,
that yield their fruit in due season,
whose leaves do not wither.
                                        Keep us true to your Way.

We struggle with evil in our hearts,
tossed to and fro like chaff in the wind,
a rootless people whose lives have no meaning,
unable to stand when judgment comes,
desolate, outside the house of our God.
                                        Keep us true to your Way.

May ways of wickedness perish among us:
forgive us, O God, and renew us,
lead us in path of justice and truth,
obedient to your Wisdom and your Will,
trusting in the hope of your promise.
                                        Keep us true to your Way.

Giver of life, save us from the desert of faithlessness,
and nourish us with the living water of your Word,
that we may bring forth fruit that will last,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.



--The Rev. Jim Cotter, Anglican priest and poet, from Psalms for a Pilgrim People.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 1, Proper 25A, track 1

Beatus vir qui non ablit

Come to the place where every breath is praise,

And God is breathing through each passing breeze.
Be planted by the waterside and raise

Your arms with Christ beneath these rooted trees,
Who lift their breathing leaves up to the skies.
Be rooted, too, as still and strong as these,

Open alike to sun and rain. Arise
From meditation by these waters. Bear
The fruit of that deep rootedness. Be wise

In the trees' long wisdom. Learn to share
The secret of their patience. Pass the day
In their green fastness and their quiet air.

Slowly discern a life, a truth, a way,
Where simple being flowers in delight.
Then let the chaff of life just blow away.

-- Malcolm Guite (1957- ), English priest, poet, musician, and academic, from David's Crown.
Inspired by Psalm 1.