What a mixed bunch we are, Jesus,
and what a tortoise-shell world we live in;
Light ands shadow, grace and judgement, goodness and sin
side by side in each of us;
But our deep longing is that the life-giving, nourishing fruit we bear
may overwhelm whatever weeds may have crept in.
May our capacity for love and friendship
be stronger than our tendency to hatred and divisiveness;
May our search for truth and wisdom
be satisfied more than our quest for denial and self-justification;
May our desire for joy and goodness
be larger than our lust for wealth and power;
May our journey to peace and wholeness
lead us away from the path of war, violence and self-destruction.
Make us those who live Your values and purpose
in a world that too easily chooses cursing over blessing,
wounding over healing,
and destruction over creativity;
so that all creation may finally find its place
in Your harvest of life and love.
Amen.
