Here’s
a prayer of commitment inspired by Genesis 3:1-7, one of the suggested
scripture readings for the first Sunday of Lent, Year A. It was written by
Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws.
Hamilton
suggests that a bowl of apples could be placed at the front. One apple could be
removed from the bowl and placed by the cross each time a stanza is read.
Prayer
(inspired by Genesis 3:1-7)
Lord,
help us say no
when
the voices speak of building up investments
in
the things of the world
when
you want us to invest ourselves
in
the ways of heaven
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord,
help us say no
to
what the world tells us we need
in
the accumulation of stuff
when
you want us to let go the stuff
and
rely on you instead
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord,
help us say no
to
the quick fix and ready-made answer
that
patches the cracks
when
you long for us to take a lifetime
to
live and explore the questions
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord
help us say no
to
throwing money at every problem
of
feeding the hungry with direct debts
when
you wish we would live in a more equal relationship
with
those who are hungry in the world
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord
help us say no
to
the easy way the world wants
that
involves no pain or hardship
when
you call us to carry crosses
and
trust the love that bears all
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord
help us say no
to
conflicts that show humanity at its worst
in
blitz and repression
when
you know we can live
ways
that show the magnificence of humanity
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
Lord
help us say no
to
a faith that speaks empty words
and
is borne by hollow actions
when
we know of a word
that
brings the fullness of life
and
is carried by actions shaped by justice
Lord, help us say no to the
world
and yes to you
~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on the
Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
