The Lifted Cup

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29 CLASSIC POEM: The Lifted Cup Ella Wheeler Wilcox My heart is lifted like an empty cup: Lord, let it be filled up. It has been cleansed of every earth desire By pain’s consuming fire. It has been emptied of each selfish thought, And now I ask for nought But light, and knowledge of Thy heavenly sphere To strengthen me while here. Not for myself do I this boon implore, That my small light be more, But that on other troubled hearts I may Cast Thy illuming ray. Already, God, Thou hast sent me through the dark A wonderful bright spark. Already has the Valley where I grope Grown radiant with hope. Already can I say to souls in woe Those daring words, ‘I know’! ‘I know through death’s dark pathway, we ascend To glory at the end.’ My heart is lifted like an empty cup: Oh, let it be filled up, That I may share it with each fainting soul Striving to reach Thy goal. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Hidden City Scott Cairns SNIPPET: And now I think Jerusalem abides untouched, the temple yet intact, … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]