Psalm for a Seminarian

I'm not going to post my homework assignments here very often, but I'll make an exception.  For Philosophy, we were asked to write a psalm (since Augustine's Confessions has been called his psalm), so here is my psalm.

A Psalm for a Seminarian

Adoration

Lord you are the creator of all.
You are worthy of all our praise
All that we sense is your creation.
Our senses are overwhelmed with your creation.

Intellect

You created us in your image.
Your image, but limited in many ways.
Attune our intellect, Lord, to your ways.
Teach us your ways, your ways alone.

Contrition

We stray from your ways, O Lord.
All our days, we are tempted and give in to temptation.
Forgive us Lord, have mercy on us.
We are sinners, one and all.

Spiritual

Spending time in silence with you Lord is most important.
Help us make this a priority in our lives.
Teach us to listen for your voice, Lord.
Teach us to pray well, not for ourselves, but for others.

Thanksgiving

Every good thing that we have comes from you, Lord.
We offer it all back to you.
Be it done to us, Lord, according to your will.
Giving thanks to you does not seem enough, but it is all we have.

Human

We are broken human beings, Lord.
Help us to overcome our sinfulness and brokenness.
Show us how to live with one another in peace and tranquility.
Let us model our lives on your example of humanity.

Supplication

Lord, we ask and ask and ask.
Grant those petitions that will demonstrate your greater good.
Help us understand why those petitions that are not good for us were not granted.
Teach us to ask, not for ourselves, but for others.

Pastoral

Teach us what we need to know to be good priests for your Church.
Show us how to be good shepherds for your people.
Teach us humility, kindness and understanding.
Help us to follow your example every moment of our lives.

Discernment

Are we walking the path you have called us to?
Are we called to be priests? Or is there another path you have in mind for us?
Help us hear your voice over all the noise in the world.
Help us hear your voice and trust in whatever path you call us to.

                                                                                                -Chris Lowe