CLOSER STILL TO THEE

I bring before You, oh my God
my body and my soul,
filled with disease and suffering
with Your healing hands, make whole.

For I know how much You love me
and would never bring me pain,
unless there was a distant reason
a purifying with Your flame.

My suffering Lord, will join with Yours
a cleansing, healing fire,
my humble offering made afresh
for it was Your desire.

When we bring our needs to You
it forever does fulfill,
the need of a loving Triune God
to be near us, closer still.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
July 15, 1994