Sometimes we wish you had
come into the world to condemn –
those others over there
doing the wrong thing –
jumping queues to enter our country,
stopping traffic to shout about
justice, flouting our sense of decorum
with their liberated self-expression.
Since you did not come to condemn,
but for love and fulness of life,
help us look more kindly
on those who challenge our comfort,
to offer compassion, safety, home, to
desperate humans, to stand
with women or Aboriginal neighbours
and raise our voices with their voices,
to celebrate closet doors flung open,
the glorious kaleidoscope of culture
and religion in our community.
Sometimes we do find it hard
to believe what Jesus taught us,
the Spirit blowing where it will,
birthing us anew,
bringing heaven among us on earth.
Since you taught us and sent us
your Spirit, please help us
surrender to the Wind and go
where it will take us; to enter
Spirit and water so to enter
your resurrection life here on earth,
to listen, wait, receive your teaching,
and live love and fulness of life.
Sometimes we cannot see;
help us to open our eyes.
Sometimes we fail to listen;
help us to pay better attention.
Sometimes we fail to love,
and we diminish the life you gift us.
Help us to love;
Help us to live more fully.
Creator, please help us
to love the world you made.
Amen.
