A PRAYER FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER  PENTECOST 

Psalm 1

1 Happy are those

    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

or take the path that sinners tread,

    or sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and on his law they meditate day and night.

3 They are like trees

    planted by streams of water,

which yield their fruit in its season,

    and their leaves do not wither.

In all that they do, they prosper.

4 The wicked are not so,

    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked will perish.

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to do right

be right, live right

We want to make good choices

but often we make poor ones 

We want to be generous

give and share and sacrifice 

Too often we are seduced

by greed and wanting and getting

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to be kind to our neighbors

friendly to strangers, warm to outcasts

Yet we shrink away in fear

hide from encountering the different 

We want to live in hope 

believe that You, God, are in charge

But we strike out for control

out of fear and pessimism

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to at peace with all nations

helping and healing in harmony

But we war against the weak

conquering, raping, and rebuilding 

We desire to walk humble upon the earth

appreciating gratefully our time and place

Yet we long to be known and admired

proud, profane, and eternal

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Teach us to choose the right paths

and forsake the wrong

be givers and forgivers

loving and cherishing

every person and race

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Show us the ways of peace

and give us the strength

of humility and quietness

sharing our wealth and bounty

to all who are lonely, forsaken, alone

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Guide our steps in the morning

restore us at the noontime

grant us rest in our night

May our days be to your delight

and our works be to your glory

Amen