By SISTER AGATHA YEN PHAM

O prophet, holy Elijah,

Carmelite father, blazing with fire,

You cast your life into the desert,

A hermit consumed by holy desire.

A flame of longing, fierce and bright,

Seeking union with the Lord of Hosts,

You taught us the sacred Word,

To meditate, no matter the cost.

Day and night, our candle alight,

Drawing our souls close to the tabernacle,

Our hearts, a garden, trembling and bright,

Where weeds and pests lurk, deadly and subtle.

Temptation prowls like a ravening lion,

Its teeth bared to devour the unguarded heart.

Teach us fervent prayer, relentless devotion,

So we never from Your presence depart.

May meditation pour like a waterfall,

Raging, uncontainable, surging truth,

Through sunshine, storm, and shadowed squall,

Igniting courage and burning youth.

Keep our lamps blazing, unyielding, aflame,

Persevere in zeal, as Elijah did,

Strike our souls with holy fire, O Name,

And make us steadfast, fearless, and rid.