Culture of the Cross

I forsake all I have learned,
lay aside all knowledge gained.
Remove all ties that bind,
release the cloak of self.
Abandon assumptions made,
desert identity's ties.
Unravel the woven threads
that I may be remade.

Bare I come to learn anew,
assess me with Your gaze.
You see the cracks and tears in me,
Your dark yet lovely one.
Compassion in Your eyes,
You study the result
of my fight for earth's approval
while I also seek Your voice.

I will tolerate no more
of this duplicity I embrace.
I know there is a sweeter song,
one I yearn to sing.
Demand from my restless heart
the loyalty You require.
Be relentless in Your call,
awaken my dormant fervor.

Undo that which culture has formed,
that which social acceptability has created.
Rework the hardened clay,
loosen the rigid places.
Mold and shape me 'til I yield,
until I utterly surrender.

Refocus my eyes, my thoughts,
until I perceive the unseen.
Help me to comprehend real value,
lead me to embrace the cost.
Teach me what it truly means
to live the culture of the cross.