GOD'S GIFT IN THE MIDST OF VIOLENCE

THE WORLD TREMBLES OUT OF CONTROL.
THE VIOLENCE BUILDS,
        SOME BY TERRORISM,
        SOME BY STATE GREED
                          DRESSED UP AS POLICY,
            VIOLENCE ON EVERY SIDE.

YOU, IN THE MIDST OF THE OUT-OF-CONTROL VIOLENCE.
    WE CONFESS YOU STEADFAST, LOYAL RELIABLE,
        BUT WE WONDER IF YOU YOURSELF ARE ENGAGED
                        IN BRUTALITY.
     WE CONFESS YOU TO BE GOVERNOR AND RULER,
         BUT WE WONDER IF YOU MANAGE.

WE IN THE MIDST OF OUT-OF-CONTROL VIOLENCE,
         WE IN GREAT FAITH,
         WE IN DEEP VOCATIONAL CALL,
         WE IN OUR SEVERAL ANXIETIES.
WE---ALONG SIDE YOU---IN THE TREMBLING.

THIS DAY WE PRAY FOR FREEDOM TO MOVE
               BEYOND FEAR TO CARING,
               BEYOND SELF TO NEIGHBOR,
               BEYOND PROTECTION TO GROWTH.
THAT WE MAY BE A SIGN OF STEADFASTNESS,
      THAT ANXIETY MAY NOT WIN THE DAY.

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO SAID, "DO NOT BE ANXIOUS."
AND NOW WE SUBMIT TO YOU.

Walter Brueggemann-Prayers for a Privileged People