empire

One: We are mostly the kind of people
who know how to do what must be done, and we do it.
We do it well, and we do well for ourselves.
All: Surely we have earned our success and well-being.
Surely we are entitled to the benefits of our station.
One: We have learned to use the system to our advantage
in order to create a future of opportunity for ourselves.
All: We enjoy the privileges of living in this empire,
and don’t want to do anything
to endanger that privilege.
One: And into that privilege, You speak.
“Those who would be first must be last.”
“Those who want to be great must serve.”
All: In the midst of the empire,
You offer a vision of Your kingdom.
“Let the little children come.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
One: Forgive our opportunistic ways, Lord,
and guide us to follow your way,
though it is not the easy way.
All: Give us grace to hear You.
Give us freedom to trust Your promise.
Give us patience and humility
to yield our privilege to your purpose.
We pray in the name of the One
who calls us to this life. Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, Crystal Lake IL.