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/
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