We are the Church, Jesus,
but sometimes we fail to believe it,
and so we focus more on what divides us
than on your call and the unconditional welcome that joins us.
May your Spirit flow through us
to bind and connect us in ways that neither our diversity
nor our self-righteousness, nor our sin can separate.
We are your Body, Jesus
but sometimes we fail to act like it,
and so we grow more concerned with ourselves
than the others you call us to serve
May your grace and compassion flow through us
to heal and embrace all who are broken and wounded
We are your Messengers, Jesus,
but sometimes it’s easier to carry bad news, or no news
than to challenge the powers that be, or to oppose injustice
with the message of the Gospel.
May your prophetic voice be proclaimed in us
in ways that encourage the despairing,
liberate the oppressed
and hold the powerful accountable.
Forgive us when we fail to be who we are – who you have called us to be
and teach us to live and to love as your presence in this world.
For Christ’s Sake.
Amen.
