Contention (Shabbat XIV)

Contend, O Yahweh,

With those who contend with me;

Fight against those

Who fight against me.

Won’t you be the most powerful voice

Singing to me in my sleep

In the night and in the day

As I find these ditches to leap?

Won’t you show me how to wrap my hands

Around the pocketknife of grace,

The blade of freedom that reflects

Like a bright reminder of this race?

Won’t you take up shield and buckler

And arise to come to my aid—

And I don’t underestimate it;

I don’t underestimate the price you paid.

The spear that was stuck into his side

To show us the blessing of the price

Holds nothing to the spear I’m asking for

As I attempt to learn the meaning of sacrifice.

And I just long to know,

I just long to be sure,

I just long to hear it—

Father, won’t you say it?

Tell my soul,

“I am your salvation.”

And then I will rest.

And now my prayer is complete.