The Psalm of My Soul

By Gertrude Viehweg Todd

O Lord,

from wells of deep emotion,

my love flows over—

a grateful love for joys I’ve known

of soul and heart and mind:

the magnitude of space,

the scape and scope of color,

the contour, size, and shape

of plant, of shrub, of giant tree,

all are compassed—

all encompassed, Lord, in Thee!

My soul upon its knees doth walk

in gratitude and praise

for sharing Thine with me.

Through all my days,

I’ve cried to Thee

in joyous bursts of praise

when scenes of splendor

came within my view:

snowy mountains silvering in the light

or morning birds winging off in song.

You only know, dear Lord,

the lessons learned from these

of faith, of strength,

of need to trust in Thee.

My soul upon its knees doth walk

in gratitude

that I know Thee!

I see Thy face

in desert sand,

in rocky gorge,

in somber shade of gray-green sage,

in dew-wet grass,

in heaven’s blue.

I walk upon my knees, dear Lord,

yea, my soul walks upon its knees

for gifts of song,

of speech, of written word,

of compassion’s warming flame.

I walk upon my knees,

share with Thee my joy.

I thank Thee for Thy listening ear.

I thank Thee, Lord,

for Thee.

Titcomb Basin, Wind River Range. Photo by Welden Andersen.