The Life of the Devotee

 

Acting from wonder, my devotees

Meditate on the writings of the prophets and

The teachings of their elders.

Heeding the words of their elders and

Reflecting on the experiences of their lives,

My devotees clarify their understanding,

Solidifying their belief, and

Strengthening their faith.

Eyes focused on me and

With every breath uttering my name,

My devotees pray without end, longing for

The warmth of my grace, and hopeful of

A place at my side.

Growing in confidence and in hope,

My devotees continue on

The path of their lives,

Buttressed by the examples of the saints

And the words of my prophets.

--- *** ---

As the branches of a shrub are

Trimmed and tied that it

Might grow into a desired shape, so

My devotees limit their freedom and

Live lives pleasing to me.

In community with their fellows,

My devotees grow

In both strength and in Charity.

Putting the needs of their brothers and

Sisters before their own,

My devotees grow together in love.

Under the guidance of their elders and

The admonitions of their fellows,

My devotees live lives of

Increased joy and diminished suffering,

A testimony to my justice.

As they grow in faith, the compass of

My devotees’ love extends from the

Fraternity of devotees to

Friendship for strangers, reaching even to

Those who might wish them ill.

Acting out of humility,

Acting out of love, of Charity, my devotees

Put their self interest aside that

The suffering of others might be eased.

--- *** ---

Living a life of righteousness, my

Devotees serve others as both

A prayer and an offering, expressing in

Their acts the Charity that binds all spirit.

Acting from love,

They draw others to them – and

To me – where these, too,

Find shelter against the cold and suffering

Rooted in the dispositions of their lives.

Their spirit responding to me, they believe;

Believing in me, they put me on

As a coat of wool, and

My love warms them and

Brings them comfort.

Trusting in me, they put me on

As a suit of armor, and

My strength protects them from harm and

Gives them hope.

Coming to me early, or

Coming to me late,

Inviting me to share their lives,

My devotees, all my devotees, are dear to me.