Another sunrise, another day to get it right. This morning I prayed this prayer for the Human Family, found in the Book of Common Prayer. “O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.“
In your good time. Ack. I’m with the psalmist here who cries “how long, Lord?” And with the disciples who ask “is this the time?”
Do we pray this prayer, and so many others, imploring God to make things right, and not wonder how God is going to do that? God has commanded us to love God and our neighbor. God has shown us how to break down barriers, to work for reconciliation, to turn our hearts to God. But we refuse, over and over, because it’s hard, or inconvenient, or will upset our friends and neighbors. Yet we still pray.
So maybe the question is not “how long, Lord?” but rather “how long, people?” Maybe we should pray not “in your good time,” but “in our time.”
Lord, plant in our hearts a sense of urgency, and the courage to act to make this the time. If we are waiting for a sign, and we do not see one, it is because we choose not to. Open our eyes, and help us not to look away. Amen.
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