## 86:5
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> Ready To Forgive
>> For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in lovingkindness to all those who call on you.

Occasion: When shame keeps me away

My hand is on the knob, Lord,
and I do not go in.
I think of what I have done,
and the old heat rises in my face.

I know You already see it all,
yet I am still ashamed to be seen.
Part of me believes I should wait
until I feel less dismayed,
until I can come to You 
with something better than this.
But I have nothing better.
I only have the truth.

Come close to me at this door.
Teach me the difference between shame and repentance.
One keeps me self-absorbed.
One brings me to You.

I know the pull of staying hidden.
Without prayer.
Without light.
Just the same thoughts going round and round.

And the longer I stay here,
the harder it is to believe I may enter.
I begin to mistake hiding for humility
and silence for sorrow.

But You are there before I speak.
Open what I have shut.
Give me courage to admit plainly what I have done 
and to trust Your lovingkindness more than my shame.
Bring me inside,
not as a stranger,
but as one who called and was heard.

Not sneaking in the back, Lord.
Bring me boldly through Your front door.

Amen.