Beholding your likeness

James Cathcart August 03, 2026 3 1

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Psalm 17: 1-7, 15 (NIV-UK)

1 

Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
    listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer –
    it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 

Let my vindication come from you;
    may your eyes see what is right.

3 

Though you probe my heart,
    though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
    my mouth has not transgressed.

4 

Though people tried to bribe me,
    I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
    through what your lips have commanded.

5 

My steps have held to your paths;
    my feet have not stumbled.

6 

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 

Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.

 

15 

As for me, I shall be vindicated and shall see your face;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Lord God your likeness 

cannot be captured exactly

but it can be caught 

in passing.

Briefly

imperfectly 

and partially.

Through wild stone

and carved arches

through close observation of seasons changing

through pain and grace coinciding on a concerned forehead

in lines of colour going on, seemingly without end.

We keep our aim true

our steps steady as we can

and when we awake

we see you,

in loved ones,

we see you,

in a pencil sketch of a prayer

we see you.

Lord,

Help us to recognise you

in the facial expressions all around us

in the pages and frames and canvasses that hold glimpses of your glory.

Amen.