Your Holy Face

song by Paul Lisney

(based on the Catholic devotion)

I rest with You in prayer
The night is quiet and
the soft light plays upon the beauty of Your face

I look into Your eyes
And feel You come to life
The face behind the Shroud
Your eyes beholding me

But if I saw You truly as You were
Your beauty marred by those You loved
I could not look upon Your Holy Face
Disfigured, bruised, torn and bleeding
Repulsed by all, Your Mother (Father) weeping
Forgive me for I fear I could not look upon Your face

Your portrait in my hands
I see more than a man
Images and hallowed scenes come to life before me

Your Mother's face comes into view
Your eyes are hers, it's true
I gaze in wonder, feeling peace
Her gentle smile soothing

The Cross is plain to see
The light of love emblazoned in Your countenance
Promising life to all who will believe

But in the shadows of Your face
A darker Cross reveals its place
Showing me the price You paid to loose the
chains that bind me

But when I see myself through Your eyes
And understand that Your beauty
Was marred by all the wrong I've ever done
You bore the ugliness of all my sins
It was my sins that scourged and crowned You
Bruised Your Face and spit upon You
Emotions well within my body
Still I doubt my sincerity

How hard it is to hear and bear, my Lord, I hide in shame
For surely if I loved You, I would look upon Your face
Lord give me the courage, help me look upon Your face

Upon Your Holy Face
May the light of Thy face shine upon us
Upon Your Holy Face