Will you hear us, O LORD, if we heap prayers
upon your head like rich anointing oil?
Will you hear us if we use the right words,
the right prayer formulas, the right incense?
Hear us, O Most Holy God,
not because of our rituals
but because of our hearts;
hear us because of your heart.
Be gentle and just to those enduring trials.
These are your children, your daughters and sons
hurting, straining to catch a breath of your Spirit.
Be swift to bring relief, we pray.
Be abundant, O God, to those without daily bread.
Your people need you to be faithful despite
the world’s continued unfaithfulness.
Splurge on those who need you most.
We trust that you can do what we cannot imagine.
You are worthy of our fear and worship;
so often we ask to know you, to be near you,
yet the mere glimpse of you melts our hearts —
when your Spirit stirs, we cannot stand.
You are powerful and majestic,
the True & Eternal Authority
over heaven and earth, over spirit and flesh.
You are our treasure,
the Most Beautiful One
who does not rust or crumble or fade away.
You are our hiding place,
that Holy & Secret Space in which
we can be broken and healed, tired and restored.
We dare not fully know you,
but ask you to know us fully, with grace,
and by your mercy we will strive to follow you. Amen.
Cross-posted at RevGalBlogPals.