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Home Poetry Beauty

‘My Heart’s Desire’: A Poem by Susan Steele Rives

February 22, 2025
in Beauty, Poetry
A A
4

.

My Heart’s Desire

There is one thing that I long for,
_and another that I need.
One essential to my soul,
_the other made of dreams.

My heart tries to deceive me,
_wants what I can’t have.
The Spirit dwelling deep within me
_has a better plan.

I justify myself as worthy
_of what I desire.
In truth sometimes my best-laid plans
_ought perish in the fire.

Lord, help me trust you’ll give me
_everything I need.
Help me crucify those lofty
_yet misguided dreams.

Lord, help me be content to go
_down the path you made for me.
Help my weary soul to know
_You’re all I’ll ever need.

.

.

Susan Steele Rives is a bookkeeper by profession. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Christian education. She resides in the Ozark Mountain region of Missouri. She published her first poetry book, Dandelion: An Ozark Mountain Reflection, in 2024.


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Comments 4

  1. Gigi Ryan says:
    7 months ago

    Dear Susan,
    This is a beautiful prayer putting me in mind of Psalm 27. You have well captured the essence of the battle between flesh and spirit.
    Gigi

    Reply
    • Susan Steele Rives says:
      7 months ago

      Gigi,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Soli Deo gloria.

      Susan

      Reply
  2. Margaret Coats says:
    7 months ago

    Parallelism of the Hebrew psalms shines in this prayer, along with an expression of humility also found in those sacred songs. Good to read your writing, Susan.

    Reply
    • Susan Steele Rives says:
      7 months ago

      Margaret,

      Thank you for your kind words. I find instruction, great comfort, and life itself in the Psalms and other scriptures.

      Susan

      Reply

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