Also the whole altar 

that belongs 

to the inner sanctuary 

he overlaid with gold.

               1 Kings 6. 22

(Where we bring

our burdens,

our brokenness,

our nasty idols,

our shame and guilt,

our selfishness

is a sacred place

   of great significance 

where we find 

       Jesus already there,

        already forgiving.)

O LORD,

You go before,

You come behind,

You walk with me

through the miry bog

         of my sin.

Thank You, dear Jesus,

    for coming,

not just to rescue me

but to forgive

         and to redeem.