956. My Lord, you wore no royal crown

Author: Christopher Idle

My Lord, you wore no royal crown;
you did not wield the powers of state,
nor did you need a scholar’s gown
or priestly robe, to make you great.

2. You never used a killer’s sword
to end an unjust tyranny;
your only weapon was your word
for truth alone could set us free.

3. You did not live a world away
in hermit’s cell or desert cave,
but felt our pain and shared each day
with those you came to seek and save.

4. You made no mean or cunning move,
chose no unworthy compromise,
but carved a track of burning love
through tangles of deceit and lies.

5. You came unequalled, undeserved,
to be what we were meant to be;
to serve, instead of being served,
to pay for our perversity.

6. So when I stumble, set me right;
command my life as you require;
let all your gifts be my delight,
and you, my Lord, my one desire.