.

My Heart’s Desire

There is one thing that I long for,
_and another that I need.
One essential to my soul,
_the other made of dreams.

My heart tries to deceive me,
_wants what I can’t have.
The Spirit dwelling deep within me
_has a better plan.

I justify myself as worthy
_of what I desire.
In truth sometimes my best-laid plans
_ought perish in the fire.

Lord, help me trust you’ll give me
_everything I need.
Help me crucify those lofty
_yet misguided dreams.

Lord, help me be content to go
_down the path you made for me.
Help my weary soul to know
_You’re all I’ll ever need.

.

.

Susan Steele Rives is a bookkeeper by profession. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Christian education. She resides in the Ozark Mountain region of Missouri. She published her first poetry book, Dandelion: An Ozark Mountain Reflection, in 2024.

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4 Responses

  1. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Susan,
    This is a beautiful prayer putting me in mind of Psalm 27. You have well captured the essence of the battle between flesh and spirit.
    Gigi

    Reply
  2. Margaret Coats

    Parallelism of the Hebrew psalms shines in this prayer, along with an expression of humility also found in those sacred songs. Good to read your writing, Susan.

    Reply

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