A beautiful and moving prayer from Walter Brueggemann that I used in my sermon this morning.

Before the Day is Out 

Unwavering in your power,

Unflagging in your zeal,

Uncompromising in your position,

    It is good for us – just past Sabbath again,

                               just past Easter again –

    to awaken to your will of constancy for your world.

We pursue our projects,

    depart to our private dreams

    invest in our deepest hopes.

    They are fragile and flimsy at best,

    at worst they are devious and destructive.

    Either way, they pale before your constancy.

We gladly affirm – past our inclinations –

    that you will well-being among us,

    that you intend justice for the vulnerable,

    that you command mercy and compassion among us.

Turn us, before the day is out, from our will to yours,

Wean us, before we sleep, from our petty hopes,

Relocate us in your eternal resolve,

    that the earth may be fully your realm,

    that the world may wreak with your shalom,   

    that we ourselves may find our true freedom

        in your sovereign purpose.

Yours – not ours – is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory…

    And we are grateful. Amen

From Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth