A Prayer for the Church...

Dear God,

We recognize you as the head of our body.
Forgive us when we attempt to control the body.
Forgive us when we think we are more important than the whole.

Help us to strive for your Kingdom,
Here on this earth
As you have it in Heaven.

In this season of Advent,
Help us to really expect you,
To anticipate the celebration of your birth,
And to anticipate your second arrival...

In our waiting,
Help us to reflect on who you are,
Who you have made us to be.
More than that,
Make us aware of the birth of your Son,
And who he came to be.

Help us to see with new eyes,
The hope that was born long ago,
And the hope that we have been given
In each new day
That same hope
That you call us to give to the world.

Forgive us for being hoarders
Of your story,
Of your grace,
Of your love.

Help us to share you,
To let others hold you,
As if beholding a new baby,
A new hope,
A new joy.

Help us to be your church, your body.

Amen.  So be it, Lord.