Blessed are you, O God, creator of the universe and the giver of all good gifts to your children. You are great and you are to be lifted high in praise.

I come to you today confessing that I do not expect much to happen as I prepare for worship.  Too often this time becomes another routine moment.  My expectation is low.  But I am grateful that you have not forgotten me, or abandoned me, or rejected me, despite all that speaks against me.

I confess that I am not aware of the tremendous power I am addressing, or of your desire to move beyond the thin walls that divide us and for your desire to love me and strengthen me.

I am learning how radical it is to truly pray and how seldom I really do it.  Show me how to pray. Teach me to wait before you with an open heart.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit in such a way that I begin to see the world as you see the world. Give me the insight to see myself as you see me so that I may participate in opportunities for servicing and loving the people around me. Show me the possibilities that lie in my hands, in my possessions, in my influence, to change the world and to alter situations in which people live.

Free me from the fear that binds me. Stir me to action to take up arms against what the apostle Paul called “the power of the air,” against hunger, poverty, prejudice, injustice, sickness, death and evil.

Lead me victoriously out of my paralyzing preoccupation with pain and weakness, and reveal through me the triumphant power of your Word and your resurrection. Let me never, never pretend that I am praying when I am not, lest I offend your holiness and your love.

I am grateful that you have invited me to your table of mercy and grace. For this is the day you have made and I am ready to rejoice in it.  My expectation has changed. I offer myself to you as you fill me with your holy presence in the name of your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen