Lord,
You confound the wisdom of the world. Before you return in glory, You make yourself known not through loud, shiny success, as we would expect, but through weakness: the poor in spirit, the lowly and humble, those who are down and out. You hide your glory in a manger, in water, in a spoken Word, in bread and wine. Ultimately you make yourself known, hidden in suffering and shame, on the cross. Remind us that we were crucified with Christ, and it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us by faith.
Therefore, by your Spirit, shape our lives in the pattern of the cross. Wherever you have placed us, in our homes, our workplace, and our communities, give us strength to bear the cost of loving our neighbor. Forgive us, Father, for we do not know what we do. Forgive us, for we know full well what we do and we do it anyway. So lead us not into temptation: keep us from sharpening our words into weapons, especially when we dress them in your name. Instead, cause us to bear the cross of losing ourselves in you in order to offer others your grace, mercy, and forgiveness which we ourselves receive so undeservedly.
Lord, Jesus,
In a world curved in on itself, turn us outward by your Spirit, and fill us from your fullness to pour out compassion.
In a world that often rewards the loudest and cruelest voice, teach us to listen to and follow yours.
In a world that grasps for power for power’s sake, make us servants who wash feet.
In a world that excuses itself yet accuses its neighbor, where we do the same, give us the freedom to confess and the joy of your absolution.
In a world whose lifeblood is lies, corruption, self-interest and self-righteousness, wash us in your blood. Make us ambassadors of the peace you made by your blood, and clothe us in your righteousness. Bear in us the fruit of your truth, justice, love, and mercy.
AMEN.