A Prayer Before The Fire

[low, slow, restrained power] Hear me, O Lord of the Universe. God of thunder. God who split the sea and did not apologize.

[measured, ominous] You who speak from smoke and whirlwind—not in comfort, not in peace, but in command.

[hard emphasis] Break the arm of the wicked. Tear down the towers of the proud.

[introspective, controlled] Search me, O God—not to soothe me, but to strip me bare.

[rising intensity] Burn out what is false. Crush what is weak. Sharpen what remains.

[grim, resolute] Though I walk through the valley where blood cries from the ground, I will not bow to fear.

[final line, slow, commanding] Awake, O Lord.

Judge.

Shatter.

Reign.