The Second Tuesday in Lamberth

Note: Today's theme is "Equal in God's Sight: When Power is Abused." Katie Sherrod, editor of The Lambeth Witness, asked me to do another "less than 400 word" essay about violence against women. This "Woman's Psalm" is the result of that request.


A Woman's Psalm


O God, I am a woman in a violent world*
let me know your peace.

Let blind rage born of despair*
not find its target in me.
Let the value of my life*
not be reduced to the jewelry I wear.

Let my family life not end*
that life in a gang may begin.
Let rape not violate my body*
nor anger ravage my soul.

Let fear not enter my heart*
but caution sharpen my mind.
Let the light of Christ so shine in me*
that I may reflect your love.

Let the joy that the apostles knew*
infuse my spirit and alleviate my pain.
Let Love who suffered and died on the cross*
find resurrection and new life
in the world you love.

O God, I am a woman in a violent world*
let me know your peace.