NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 8/6

 

Found these timely words* on line today, Lord,

    now I bring them to you in prayer tonight...

 

 I don't think I live in Culture War Mode

    (well, I hope don't live in that space)

but I see how I'm easily drawn to the fight

    when my steps lead me close to the fray...

I want to live in your realm, O God,

    to abide in peace with you and with all

but my heart stands in need of some healing before

   I can claim your reign as my home...

I need to be healed of the pride and presumption

    that lead me to think that I'm always right;

I need to be humbled and opened to truth 

    wherever, whenever  I find it...

I need to see life as you see it, Lord,

    and not through my personal filters:

        my bias, mistrust, my hardened opinions,

        my resentments and preconceived notions...

 

So, help me to live by your law, O Lord,

    and to love my neighbor as I love myself,

to welcome the stranger (and those I find strange)

    and to love those who'll never love me...

 

Help me announce your reign, O Lord

    in my choices, my words and my deeds:

may all my decisions, my speech and my silence

    give witness to you and your rule...

And may all of this not seem impossible, Lord,

    too much to hope for, achieve or accomplish:

help me freely live as you call me to live:

    in your reign, by your word,

    in your truth, by your grace,

    in peace with my neighbor,

    with you and myself... 

Help me live in the reign of your lasting peace,

    for then I shall live where I'm meant to be:

at home in your heart, at peace with all,

    with you, Lord, at home in me...

    

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.

* Dan White, Jr. in Love Over Fear

 

 

Tonight's song has a big sound, one that might serve well as processional music in a cathedral - but the lyrics are perfect for this evening's prayer, so...

 

The Reign of God is Near by Marty Haugen

 

If a widget doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

Proclaim, proclaim God's strong transforming Word

Sing what you have heard from the true and faithful prophets

and break down the walls built of hatred, greed and fear:

the reign of God is near, the reign of God is near.

Stand up and speak God's freedom and God's peace

Let the violence cease; let us speak the truth to power.

When pris'ners are freed and the captives are unbound,

the reign of God may be found, the reign of God may be found.

Go forth and show God's mercy and God's care

Let us learn to share of the grace we have been given

When hungry are fed and the broken ones are healed,

the reign of God is revealed, the reign of God is revealed.

Look up and see! God's Spirit breathes anew.

Let our hearts be true to the call we have been given

Through courage and faith we might serve God's holy plan:

the reign of God is at hand, the reign of God is at hand.

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