Monday, November 26, 2012

Thomas From Kempen

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis has been one of the most important books in my spiritual formation.  A whole bunch of years ago I adapted some of Thomas' words and put them to music.  For now we'll skip the music, but here are the words that express the believer's utter dependence on God:

Lord there can be no goodness in us if You withdraw Yourself.
No wisdom can benefit us if You cease to guide.
No strength can preserve us if You no longer defend.
No purity can be secure if You do not guard it.

No watchfulness of our own can protect us,
if You don't keep watch.
If You abandon us, we are soon lost.

But if You come to us with Your grace,
we're lifted up to live again.

We are weak but You make us strong,
we are cold and dull but by You, we are set ablaze.

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