adapted for a group

Dear Lord

You have sent us into this world to preach your word. So often the problems of the world seem so complex and intricate that your word strikes us as embarrassingly simple. Many times we feel tongue-tied in the company of people who are dealing with the world’s social and economic problems.

But you, O Lord, said, “ Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves.” Let us retain innocence and simplicity in the midst of this complex world. We realise that we have to be informed, that we have to study the many aspects of the problems facing the world, and that we have to try to understand as well as possible the dynamics of our contemporary society. But what really counts is that all this information, knowledge and insight allow us to speak more clearly and unambiguously your truthful word. Do not allow evil powers to seduce us with the complexities of the world’s problems, but give us the strength to think clearly, speak freely, and act boldly in your service. Give us the courage to show the dove in a world so full of serpents.

Amen.