In God Makes the Rivers to Flow; An Anthology of the World’s Sacred Poetry & Prose, Eknath Easwaran includes a selection from Rabbi Eleazar Azikri entitled “Beloved of the Soul.” I’ve written the following poem-like reflections inspired by this selection.
Shape Me to Your Will
Beloved of the soul, source of compassion,
Shape your servant to your will.
Then your servant will run like a deer to bow before you.
—Rabbi Eleazar Azikri
Shape me to your will, oh Lord,
show me how to serve you.
Make me into a force for good.
Lead me to make a mighty difference on this planet.
Help me to celebrate everything you’ve given me,
and not moan and groan about what I do not have.
Teach me to surrender, completely.
Your love is all that I could ask for,
better than honey, better than maple syrup,
more divine than Christmas cookies.
Your love is all that I truly desire,
to know you and be known by you.
To give you my hands so you can work through my hands.
To give you my feet so you can walk on my feet.
To give you my heart so you know how I burn for you.
You are my passion.
You have given me breath; breathe through me.
You have given me bread; I devour you.
You have given me wine; I am intoxicated with your presence.
You are my one delight.
You are all that truly matters.
May I serve you by serving others.
May I serve you with these words.
May I become what you would choose for me.
I call upon you to reveal yourself to me.
You are always revealing yourself to me.
Teach me to recognize your abundant presence.
You are my strength.
You lift me when I falter.
You comfort me when I am distraught.
You are like a father, a mother, a lover.
You are like a king and a queen.
You are my best friend.
You are glorious.
I don’t have to ask for your compassion;
it is freely given.
I don’t have to beg to see your light.
You are always showing me your light.
What I ask of you is that you mold me, shape me,
transform me into one who knows you perfectly,
and in that knowledge serves you completely,
serves you in celebration,
glories in surrender.
