Tonight's prayer was inspired by a piece I read today by Cardinal Robert McElroy. I link to that in the prayer below and heartily recommend your taking the time to read McElroy's clarion gospel cry.
Too few are the days, Lord,
when church news lifts and pumps up my spirits
but today I was heartened and encouraged
by the words of Cardinal McElroy
calling for the radical inclusion of whole swaths of humanity
in the life, communion and mission of the Church;
calling for us to enlarge hearts and make more room
in our tent of faith...
How sad, Lord, that in so many quarters
your church - our church -
may be better known for whom it excludes
than for those we warmly welcome...
And how sad, Lord,
that in the tent of my heart
I warmly welcome so many in
but avoid, ignore or keep others out...
As hope-filled as are brother McElroy's words
as faithful and wise and courageous his call,
though his voice joins a chorus chanting for truth
he won't change the Church overnight...
But I, in my own house, serve as doorkeeper, Lord,
I'm the one who determines the size of my tent
and I need to make room for those I exclude
through my prejudice, pride and bias...
So, I pray tonight for the Church, Lord,
that we open our doors ever wider
and I pray for myself that my heart expand
to welcome you when you come knocking...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Plenty Good Room
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plenty good room in my Father's kingdom,
Plenty good room, plenty good room,
just choose your seat and sit down.
1 I would not be a sinner,
I'll tell you the reason why;
cause if my Lord should call on me
I wouldn't be ready to die. [Refrain]
2 I would not be a liar,
I'll tell you the reason why;
cause if my Lord should call on me
I wouldn't be ready to die. [Refrain]
I'll tell you the reason why;
cause if my Lord should call on me
I wouldn't be ready to die. [Refrain]
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