The Kiss of God

This peace: the sun retreats, the air is still.

The light a golden chrism touching all

Soon the stars light their candles, one by one,

Soon I’m transfixed by their high silver call.

And, knowing only this is wholly good,

I tremble to receive the kiss of God.

There is a largeness in the air tonight

Where conversations gleam and dance and thrill

Where soul reveals a naked glimpse to soul

And is received in all its good and ill.

And, knowing only this is wholly good,

I tremble to receive the kiss of God.

Prayer, and the lifting up of little hands

Into their Father’s strong and sturdy grasp,

Knowing he listens to our every breath,

Knowing we’re safe forever in his clasp.

And, knowing only this is wholly good,

I tremble to receive the kiss of God.

Mercy, it breathes through every breath we take,

Grace that can raise our brokenness to bliss

He is my God who gives himself to me,

I, though I flounder, I am wholly his.

And, knowing only this is wholly good,

I tremble to receive the kiss of God.