The song referred to in this prayer is tonight’s musical offering…
Alden posted his song, Lord,
his plaintiff lamentation:
he must be made of water
for there’s nothing left but tears...
Sue sings their simple chant,
a tune that doesn’t end,
a melody that can’t resolve
’til peace, at last, is made
and you wipe away the tears of all
who’ve hung their harps on willows,*
longing once again to sing
sweet Zion’s songs of joy…
Let there be an end to bloodshed, Lord,
wipe your children’s tears away
and heal their many wounds
’til their hearts are filled again with songs
of peace… and joy… and faith in you…
Protect us, Lord, while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
*By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept,
on the willows we hung up our harps
for there our captors asked for songs of joy, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” (Ps. 137)
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” (Ps. 137)
As you read in tonight’s prayer, you’ll hear how this song’s
tune doesn’t resolve but rather hangs in the air, waiting…
I Must Be Made of Water
I must be made of water.
I have nothing left but tears.
Daughters. Mothers.
My spirit aching.
Sisters. Brothers.
Sisters. Brothers.
A heart that’s breaking.
I must be made of water.
I have nothing left but tears.
Blood and terror.
Children dying.
Fear and anger.
So much crying.
I must be made of water.
I have nothing left but tears.
Oh this heartbreak,
Silence howling.
Oh this heart ache,
Terror prowling.
I must be made of water.
I have nothing left but tears.
Not just water.
These tears, they feed me.
My bones are iron.
My people need me.
