I wrote this piece back in 2005 and am now publishing it here. Maybe you can relate with being unwilling, unable or not ready to receive and accept His gift. I read this again tonight and I feel inspired to read it aloud instead of doing a special song tomorrow. I could not believe how it ministered to me, I must yet struggle with receiving fully.
Open Hands
By Mike Palmer, 2005
I stand before you Lord
With guilt and shame and tears
Chains about me and dark clouds above my head
I know of Your mercy
I know of Your love
But I have yet to call, to ask and to receive
I hear You calling my name
But I seek a secret, hidden place from You
Even in my broken state I do not come
You know my weakness
You know my need
But You would not pry open my hands
Reckless and hopeless
Suffering and striving, alone and afraid
You have pity on me like a father; extending mercy at my darkest time
You sent Jesus in my place
The guiltless One paid my ransom,
He took my chains and my death, so I could be free
What could be more real than this?
A gift so undeserved!
Boundless love and grace
I am ready to open my hands; to be forgiven
I accept Your awesome gift
Here are my open hands