A Sonnet for the Fourth Week of Lent

Based on the collect for the day

O God who renews the face of the World through mysteries beyond all telling
Grant we pray
That your Church May be formed by virtue and not through selling
Its teaching that our priests lay
That your people may be guided by your eternal design
And not be deprived of your help in this present age
Through Jesus Christ his son given by his sign
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit his sage
One God for ever and ever you are mine
May my love for you sublime
Never falter in this my mind for ever as a telling sign
But be forever mine and not mere empty mime
But proven in my inner feeling
And true till my death that ultimate ceiling