Oh Lord, my God 
the one who saved me from my 
self,
slay also now 
the subtle ones that reign within—
fear masked as prudence
judgment masked as righteousness
self-doubt masked as humility.

These foes know me far too intimately.

They lay in wait 
on the path You have laid before me
with lies buried 
as 
deep
as
the roots of a sturdy oak tree.
They nag at my face 
as I try to walk with You 
like gnats on a mid-day hike.
They circle my mind with patience 
as vultures hover over a rotting carcass. 

Slay them now, O Lord, 
with Your mighty sword of Truth! 
Expose their roots in me and 
destroy their tenacity to stay,
for their cunningness is too baffling
their power that of an army.
Shower upon me 
Your Grace and Mercy 
which I know so well 
from days gone by.

Then I will walk in peace.

Your Truth as my shield. 
Your Grace— my helmet.
Your Mercy—my armor.