This I Lay Down Poem by Kurt Behle

Before I take the body of my Lord
Before I share his life in bread and wine,
I recognize the sorry things within-
This I lay down.

The words of hope I often failed to give,
The prayers of kindness buried by my pride,
The signs of care I argued out of sight-
This I lay down.

The narrowness of vision and of mind,
The need for other folk to serve my will,
And every word and silence meant to hurt-
This I lay down.

Of those around in whom I meet my Lord,
I ask their pardon and I grand them mine,
That every contradiction to Christ's peace
Might be laid down.

Lord Jesus Chris, companion and this feast,
I empty now my heart and stretch my hands,
And ask to meet you here in bread and wine-
Which You laid down.