Saved by Grace

In the being of a man,
For the worth found in deeds
And grandiosity of thoughts with near perfect ideals in mind

We fall, because we strive & push around

In the being of a man
For the worth of righteous deeds
And the exhilaration found in achieving them

We fall, because we are deceived into believing we are supreme

In the being of a man
For what we can give, in extending our help to those who are weak
And the results seen, became a no mean feat inscribed in our names

We fall because we became so self-absorbed, our nose turned heavenwards

In the being of a man
For what we know and often perceived to be true and right and good
We think we are better and the world is only our puppet

We fall because we think we are a cut above the rest

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6 )

Mercy O Lord upon our souls,
Take away our filthy rags
Replace it with shame
Show us you came because of grace
So that we appropriate your deeds
Not only because we know, but because we are changed

Give us today
Neither power, nor glory, or status to beat
But contriteness and brokenness
In this then we are made complete

Teach us always to honour the rest
And to walk in ways to bring out their best
Fill us with your gentle grace
So that we can give in a world of disgrace

May we never take offenses, our hurts and pain in vain
But recognize it as a way to repay with the grace you gave

Let us remember that you came to save
But for the filthy rags that we have obtain
In all our self-righteousness we had fail to sustain
Lord, forgive us, pour out your grace