It seems, Lord, that if there’s any way
we human beings can make a mess of things
– that’s exactly what we’ll do…
It’s not that we don’t know the right thing to do:
not that we don’t know what justice demands,
not that our ultimate goals aren’t noble,
not that our ultimate goals aren’t noble,
not that our hearts aren’t in the right place,
not that we just don’t know any better,
not that we’re ignorant of the facts,
not that we lack the personnel
to achieve what we know must be done,
not that we don’t have the talent or assets
to do the best possible job
– it’s none of this, Lord…
We mess things up when we fail to be faithful
to the path of truth,
the law of your word,
the demanding dictates of conscience,
the choice of right over wrong,
the pursuit of the greater good,
the toll of personal sacrifice,
the authority of proven facts,
the search for impartial justice,
the clarity of unbiased thought,
and the desire to work together…
What was it Saint Paul wrote?
For I do not understand my own actions…
I have the desire to do what is right,
but not the ability to carry it out.
the evil I do not want
is what I keep on doing…*
Give us your grace, Lord,
the heart we need
to do what is just,
to love what is good
and to walk humbly at your side…
Give us your grace, Lord,
the heart we need,
to accept the things we cannot change,
to change the things we can
and the wisdom to know the difference…
Give us your grace, Lord,
the heart we need,
to do the next right thing
– before we do what we don’t want to do…
Lead us, Lord, to make of our world
with the help of your grace,
the place you made for us to live
together, in peace, in joy…
Protect us, Lord, while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
*Romans 7:18-20
