The Plan

 How can I know you

how become that one you know

how become that one who 

wears your presence

gleans your thoughts

clasps your bosom

breathes your heartbeat?

First by asking

then by listening

ears to hear

let me hear:

By being given

father to son

to be yours forever

which, itself,

is knowing you,

the only true supreme and sovereign

glorified together.

Finished work, finished plan

words received, words believed--

you are from God.

By being of that father-gift 

you pray for

and not the world,

for whom you don't. 

Because you do what you see your father do

you pray for those he gave you

and precisely those; 

you and he are separate in nothing.

By joining you in prayer 

that I be one with the father-gift

kept in the name he gave you

that not one may be lost

(except the betrayer).

By praying my heart overflow

with the very joy birthed in yours

your personal delight spilling into me.

Lord, protect me from the evil one

sanctify me in the truth of your word

preserving me holy for your purpose

sending me out with your message

to help gather in full the people of the father-gift

for whom you pray.

He in you and you in him and we in you 

because that's how the world believes

you are who you are

if indeed they will;

You in us and him in you and you in him

because that's how the world believes

you are from heaven

if indeed they will.

By joining you in prayer

that the fullness of the father-gift

may be with you where you are

that we might see your glory

given in love before the foundation 

of the world.

Lord, make your name known to us,

that the love with which he has loved you

may, along with your very self,

overwhelm our hearts.

How can I know you

how become that one you know

how become that one who 

wears your presence

gleans your thoughts

clasps your bosom

breathes your heartbeat?

By praying your heart

by praying your prayer

by praying

and living

the plan.

(Based on John 17)