This Prayer II: CONSECRATION
Seven Prayers To JAH, excerpted from the poetry collection FROM EVEREST by Bolu Animashaun TMCW
1.
Shammah (the lord is there)
Each day, I’m trapped in life’s maze
which is filled with craze. All I ask
for is (your) grace to finish each
day’s race, and to make it to the
place where you are at.
2.
Shalom (the Lord is peace)
Give peace to my wailing heart.
Command this storm to cease,
say to my weary soul,
Peace be still.
3.
Raah (the lord my shepherd)
Lift me up in your tender hands
for I am weak and feeble,
weary and broken, helpless and hopeless.
Please Raah, lead me and direct me,
Guide me to the city above – the place of thy rest.
4.
El-shaddai (the multi-breasted one)
Lift this beggarly me
to your breast and curse
me to drink eternally of your milk
for I’m without form and figure.
5.
Tsidkenu (the lord my righteousness)
If I had more better words to describe myself with,
I won’t hesitate. I’m filthy, dirty, unholy,
you need not tell me.
Cleanse me with the breath
of thy nostril, oh Mekoddishkem
the way you did to Joshua.
Change this sin raiment on me
and make me once again holy
just as you are holy.
6.
El Elyon / Rapha (most high God / healer)
Most high,
I come to you today
diseased, infirm, unhealthy, dying.
Heal me!
Restore the glory of my failing man.
Break this fast from which I’m glowing frail.
Oh Rapha,
Heal me with your word,
Just a word will do.
7.
Jireh ( the Lord will provide)
Beckon unto me to come
to your table and have communion
with you.
Call me to your table (and I’ll come),
to dine and wine with you and
be forever satisfied (all the days of my life).
AMEN
From Everest is a house. The story of how man fell is its foundation. As you proceed, it seems like everything that follows is a consequence of the fall of man.
The first “Just so you know…” is a failed attempt to top a building that is not yet complete. So you must continue on this pilgrimage that eventually brings you to the seven broken prayers. And just as the number 7 signifies completion in the faith that this book so boldly upholds, you find, on getting to this part, a sense of wholeness and entirety, and you’re convinced that this building is ready to be roofed. The following monologue, “Just so you know,” serves as an excellent topping.
It felt like I was on a tour, with the very architect of this house as my guide. The author’s voice is loud and profound, dissecting a mountain of thoughts and stirring up emotions with every line.
Tochukwu Precious Eze (Di MadWriter)
