Responsive Reading

I'm usually not a fan of responsive readings, but I really liked this one. We read it at the beginning of my Church Music and Worship class. It has a lot to do with what I have been thinking about lately, so I thought I would share.

Lord God,

Because Jesus has taught us to

trust You in all things,

We hold to His Word and

share His plea:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where nations budget for war,

While Christ says,

“Put up your sword”:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where countries waste food

and covet fashion,

While Christ says, “I was hungry…

I was thirsty…”:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where powerful governments claim their policies are heaven blessed,

While Scripture states that God helps the powerless:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where Christians seek the kingdom in the shape of their own church,

As if Christ had come to build

And not to break barriers:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where women who

speak up for their dignity

are treated with scorn or contempt:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where men try hard to be tough,

Because they are afraid to be tender:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where we,

obsessed with being adults,

Forget to become like children:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where our prayers falter,

our faith weakens,

our light grows dim:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Where Jesus Christ calls us:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done.

Lord God,

You have declared that

your kingdom is among us.

Open our ears to hear it,

Our hands to serve it,

Our hearts to hold it.

This we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.