by Ken Sehested
Introduction: To “steal away to Jesus” is not submission to injustice or passivity in the face of evil. Rather, it represents a strategic retreat to gather the weapons of the Spirit needed to reengage enemies in ways they fail to fathom and ultimately cannot thwart. Enemies are destroyed, by and by, when enmity itself is swallowed in death.
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One: When the apostles were gathered, exuberant with tales of all they had done, Jesus said: Steal away with me to a quiet place.
All: Steal away, to the garden’s still harbor.
ALL SING: Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
One: When the Israelites faced the Red Sea in front, Pharaoh’s chariots behind, Moses spoke to the people: Fear not. Stand still. Soon you will see the deliverance of our God!
All: And the waters parted.
ALL SING: Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
One: “Be still and know,” the Beloved entices, though desolation confound. For every bow shall fracture, every shield abandoned, every warring heart and armed incursion halted, every malice routed by Mercy’s advance.
All: With the Blessed One on our side, cried the psalmist, I shall not fear! What can mere mortals do to me?
ALL SING: Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
One: Fear not, Jesus said in departure. Be of good cheer, for destiny’s cruel rule is being dismantled.
All: Steal away home, children! In every midnight’s hour, find the still point’s Center; lay your burdens down; let your breath find its rest; study war no more.
ALL SING: Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
One: Let the quiet unfurl, let the silence commence. Moor yourself to the peace that passes all understanding.
All: When death itself yields to life’s Invocation, when Heaven’s abundance revives earth’s withered soil, when creatures join in joyful accord, then all tombs cede their dead at the Risen One’s beckon.
ALL SING: Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
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©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org. Inspired by Mark 6:30-33, with phrases from Exodus 14:13; Psalm 46:8-11; Psalm 118:6; John 16:33; Philippians 4:7; and line from “Steal Away to Jesus,” American Negro spiritual by Wallace Willis.