A litany for worship inspired by Isaiah 58
Ken Sehested
Hail, O human one, progeny of the stars’ dust enlivened by the Breath of the Most High. Stand and be accounted.
Do you enter the portal of Heaven’s presence with open hands and penitential heart? Or do you come to bargain?
Do you delight to know my ways? To have your light break forth like the dawn, your healing spring up speedily? Do you seek Heaven’s presence as your rear guard?
Are you soliciting divine guidance? Raindrops for parched places? Relief from osteoporosis or a well-watered garden, fed by springs that never runs dry?
Or repair of your ancient ruins, enough to support many generations, and to be known as a repairer of the breach and restorer of safe streets?
If so, honor my Name by naming those whose sake you are pursuing, those who have my close attention. I am less interested in your ritual acts of purification than in your advocacy for those with little standing in your midst.
Instead of fasting, loose the bonds of injustice and undo the ligaments of servitude, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, housing those denied a postal address.
Instead of genuflecting in the sanctuary, genuflect in the back streets and darkened alleys on behalf of those who have insufficient clothing or respect. Want to draw near to me? Then restore the dignity and livelihoods of those on the margin, those who dig through dumpsters for their daily bread, those whose food stamps have been withdrawn, those whose health care has become exorbitant and out of reach.
Form coalitions demanding redirection of public policies that now privilege the few in neglect of the many, policies which subsidize stock portfolios and prolong the lash of servility.
Then I, Host of Heaven, will answer and provide you with salvation’s light, flourishing gardens, more water than you can imagine, healing of your infirmities, solace in your affliction. Then your vindicator shall go before you; your benefactor will have your back.
—inspired by Isaiah 58