Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24  Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 23, 2023_Benton

O God, you have searched me and known me.
When she died, I felt so alone,
	but you were there.
When the depression took me
	to the edge, so I thought I’d topple,
	you held onto me.
When I looked the other way
	pretending not to hear that slur,
	see their eyes roll,
	you raked my conscience
	making me turn and try again. 
And then, when I’m most self-sufficient and sure,
you humble me, reminding me
of the people you put in my life,
the circumstances that helped me grow.
Sometimes I wish you weren’t so close, God,
	I wish you’d mind your own business
	instead of mine. 
Don’t listen to me, Holy One—I’m just being me—
stay right where you are.
Keep me in your sights
and on right paths always
(please).

Sharon A. Benton