Cry No More
This prayer-poem is about having gentleness and compassion for ourselves as we repair the damage we’ve done – that I’ve done – to self and others. I wrote it immediately after my first Yom Kippur in Jerusalem, my first in Israel, my first as an oleh chadash. It came out of the moments of absolute rejoicing that punctuated the solemnity of the day – and the intensity of worship – with the hope and promise of G-d’s forgiveness.
Cry No More
Cry no more for the sins of the past.
Rejoice in your repentance and your return.
For this is the day that G-d made
To lift you up from your sorrow and shame,
To deliver you to the gates of righteousness.
Remember this:
Love is the crown of your life
And wisdom the rock on which you stand.
Charity is your staff
And justice your shield.
Your deeds declare your kindness
And your works declare your devotion.
Cry no more for your fears and your dread.
Rejoice in your blessings and your healing.
For this is the day that G-d made
To raise your countenance and hope,
To deliver you to the gates of holiness.
© 2012 Alden Solovy and http://www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Postscript: I also use this prayer during the Counting the Omer, day 10, “compasson in discipline.” Here’s a link to a prayer about Counting the Omer, including links to all of the prayers for the period. “This is the day that G-d made” comes directly from the liturgy. Here are links to prayers for Elul, prayers for Rosh Hashana, prayers for Yom Kippur and prayers for Sukkot. Here’s a link to yizkor and memorial prayers.
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Photo Credit: Gospel Newsroom
Powerful – thank you <3
Reflects the fullness of my heart…