Our God,
Your living word is not static
but the unfolding story of your actions in the world
We pray that we would be part of that story
as recipients and participants
cutting across the addiction people have for the world
cultural addictions of greed, of status, appearance, recognition,
of voyeurism, celebrity worship, the need to know.
giving meaning to existence
giving meaning to work
giving meaning to leisure
giving meaning to contemplation
giving meaning to action
by recognising that all is part of your unfolding story
We know there is no single right way
We pray for the companionship of the Holy Spirit
Guiding us, leading us, standing back to let us fall
We know we will make mistakes
We pray the mistakes we make will be mistakes of generosity – of giving too much
As we endeavour to be Christ-like in our living and giving.
Risking comfort for the world’s sake.
We pray that we would be a people saying no to the power, violence, greed of the world
And instead, be active participants in healing the world
by doing what we can to enable all to contribute to society with dignity and honour.
Acknowledging, accepting and working with the diversity you have given us.
One, valuable person, at a time.
We pray that we would be your faithful disciples
Bringing together whatever has been broken in your world
Living and loving as Jesus loved
in whose name we pray
The writer, from Hartwell Church of Christ, Melbourne, Australia,references “Becoming the Authentic Church” by Gordon Cosby, p38ff, as the inspiration behind this prayer.
