Sunday, August 23, 2009
Offered by Joyce Shin, Associate Pastor

Almighty God, you are Creator and Lord of our consciences. Our knowledge of the world and of your ways is faulty and incomplete. It is partial and often self-interested. Therefore, we confess to you that where there is wrong, we often see our right, and that in place of what is good for all, we often prioritize what is good for us. Forgive us.

Our sense of right and wrong, Lord, is far from fixed, and that seems as it should be, for you are a God who reveals in time what you would have us know. Opening our minds and showing us new angles—that is how you work. So never leave us alone, Lord, to remain as we are. Instead, help us to engage your wide world, to stand in someone else’s shoes for a while, to walk along another’s path, so that we might see the needs, the stumbling blocks, and new horizons of what is right and wrong.

In this way, instruct us, Lord, all the days of our lives. Make our minds supple; convict and correct our consciences; and make healthy our hearts, so that they may beat of compassion. For when you transform us so wholly, we will be dressed in your armor, wearing a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, and shoes made for carrying out your gospel of peace. Dress us, Lord, in these things so that we may fight for the causes that matter and for the people whom you love.

We know your love extends to people far and near. No one is left outside your realm of care. Instill in all a confidence that they are not alone, that people worldwide care about them, are praying for their well-being, and each day are dressing themselves in clothing of solidarity, loyalty, and love.

We have before us, Lord, the example of your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us to rely on you always and to have confidence that you will hear our prayers. Therefore we pray as he taught us, saying, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church