A Heart of Vision

This is from a new series of prayer/poems that combine the vision of the spiritual traveler with the voice of admonishing prophet. The result is a warning about the dangers of the mystical journey. It ends on a note of hope, acknowledging that even in despair G-d is with us. Other prayers incorporating the voice of the prophet include: “Let Love,” “Let Joy,” “Let Truth,” and “Let Holiness.”

To listen along, click on the triangle in the bar below (website only). The text follows.

A Heart of Vision
I cannot see truth with my eyes.
I cannot gain wisdom with my sight.
Only my heart can know
Mystery and majesty,
Awe and wonder,
Glory and grace.

Listen dear sisters,
Dear brothers!
Do not be quick to pray
For vision from the center of your being,
To see from the inside out.
When your heart pulses with joy and laughter
You will rise weightless into the sky.
But when your heart cries its tears of blood
You will be naked and alone in the arms of G-d.

© 2011 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Other prayer/poems in this series include “A Heart that Hears” and the upcoming “A Heart of Love.”

Please use these prayers. See “Share the Prayer!” in the right hand column. For notices of new prayers posted here, please subscribe. To read four to six mini-prayers each week, as well as notices of new prayers posted to the site, please join the To Bend Light fan page on Facebook.

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“Alden has become one of Reform Judaism’s master poet-liturgists…" - Religion News Service, Dec. 23, 2020

“Mesmerizing, spiritual, provocative, and thoughtful, Alden was everything you would want in a guest scholar and teacher.” – Rabbi Denise L. Eger, Congregation Kol Ami, Los Angeles, and Past President, CCAR

"Alden Solovy has become one of the most revered liturgists of the last decade…" - Jewish Post & Opinion, March 29, 2023

“Alden left everyone feeling inspired.” – Cantor Jeri Robins, Shabbat Chair, NewCAJE6