My Name for Jesus’ Name

I heard a man use Jesus’ name in vain;

With my own ears I heard it clear and plain.

And now his blood is placed upon my head,

For lack of saying what I should have said.

I should have fought to honor Jesus’ name;

Instead I left it lie in open shame.

My God, I pray for strength for every day

To serve my God and say what I should say.

I pray for love that would constrain my tongue

To speak the truth to both the old and young.

I’ll let them mock me and my name malign,

For Jesus’ name is worth the price of mine.

Ezra Brainard, January 2014