We love to think of you as a victorious conqueror, Jesus;
the one who claims power by force of strength,
and makes all others bow at his feet.
We love to feel that we’re in your corner, Jesus;
on the winning side – powerful by association
and safe from what threatens us
because of your strong presence.
But, then you speak about gathering all things together,
of unity and reconciliation,
of love and sharing,
of filling all things with yourself.
You invite us into a conversation, not a conquest,
into dialogue, not dominion,
into the power of love,
not the love of power.
We praise you, Ascended One, for refusing to hoard your power and glory,
for refusing to remain aloof and removed from creation,
and for including the likes of us
in your cosmic community.
Amen.
— written by John van de Laar for Ascension Day, 2 01 0
For more Ascension Day prayers and creative worship resources on this blog, click on Ascension in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
