Face Down

 A broken spirit and a contrite heart

              are what You desire most from me.

All the service I can offer You;

All the boldness I have for You;

All the love I have for others;

All the words of praise and worship;

All mean nothing before You,

              without a broken spirit.

While I think I am someone before You,

              none of my thoughts and ways can please You.

Break my heart so I can clearly see

              the blackness of who I am without You.

Replace my proud, arrogant heart

              with Your humble servant  heart.

Fashion my every word and action

              to reflect the grace and mercy You have shown me.

For only when I understand I am expendable

              Can I become invaluable for You.

And only face down before You

              Can I hope to rise up to serve You.

                                                                        Patti McCarthy

                                                                      April 1997

Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Luke 18:14 — “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”