Merciful God,

we have received so much in and from life -

   food, homes, friends, church communities -

   indeed a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,

   almost certainly more than we deserve, and we are grateful.

And we are trying to love our enemies,

   to do good to those who hate us,

   to bless those who curse us,

   to pray for those who mistreat us,

It’s not easy. We know you know that.

And we are trying not to fret over the wicked,

  but we are waiting for them to fade and wither and their place to be emptied.

That’s not easy either, and we know you know that as well.

We would like it to happen in this perishable world not just in the imperishable one to come.

Lead us and guide us into forms of active waiting,

   giving to those in need,

   speaking out for justice and righteousness

   lifting up the peacemakers and truth-tellers,

   doing unto others…..

LORD help us and rescue us; we take refuge in you.