Psalmody

I have stood upon the side of great mountains Resplendent with wild flowers Cool breezes roll down from the peaks The sun shines warm on my face The birds singing their praises I drink it all in with my eyes, my skin, my ears The majesty of Your hand. And I am humbled.	I have soared high above Your Earth Seeing creation in its great scope Seen the violence of the storm, Viewed as peer, not subordinate Witnessed the beauty of a nearly infinite sunset And I am struck by awe.
I have sat in the halls of learning The great collected wisdom and folly of the ages The scent of old paper and cloth. The ancient leather of the chairs I gaze hungrily at the words The great wonders only just being discovered And I am enlightened.	I have stood in great cathedrals Rich with marble, brass and gold. I have stood in a simple church Hewn from rude wood. Simple paint and carvings, Lovingly made, its only adornments I have stood in quiet forest; There too I feel You.
I stand in the garden The lush branches of olives and figs surround me. I witness Your anguish; You know Your fate; fearing it, Yet resolved to follow Your path of love I see treacherous kiss, And I am angered.	I stand shivering outside the halls Where simple men believe they decide Your fate; Though they merely work Your Father’s will. Afraid for myself, I forsake You. Professing ignorance of You Thrice cries Chanticleer, And I am ashamed.
I stand before Your cross in utter horror Of the pains You endure for my stead I witness two others with You. Simple men; one faithless, One gains paradise. I watch You breathe Your last, And I grieve	I stand outside the tomb in the morning. The Sabbath complete, I come with the women To bring sweet ointment for Your body, Three days dead. I see the empty raiment. The Angel speaks to me. Telling of life restored. And I hope.
I kneel at Your alter. There I was given You as a child There I was taught to love and serve You. I receive commemoration of You The Passover lamb given in my stead. I eat of Your body, drink its blood. And I am redeemed.