With a deep breath and humility,
i bring my confessions to you, most gracious God:
How often i sit pretty on the promise of God’s blessings
and disregard the unequivocal reprimand of Jesus’ woes!
Woe to me when i petition God for luxuries
beyond daily bread.
Woe to me when i sacrifice care
for comfort.
Woe to me when i do not use my voice
for justice among neighbors and peace between enemies.
Woe to me when i provoke another’s anger
and neglect to ask forgiveness from my brother.
Woe to me when i anticipate God’s deliverance for the oppressed
and do not place take responsibility for my place among the oppressors.
Woe to me for my resentment
of life’s strains and stresses.
Woe to me when i value order
over grace.
Woe to me for setting prestige and rapport
on pedestals toward which i strive.
Woe to me for believing that it is about me at all;
woe to me and glory to God, the source of all blessings.