hands

You asked for my hands

that you might use them for your purpose.

I gave them for a moment then withdrew them

for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth

to speak out against injustice.

I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes

to see the pain of poverty.

I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life

that you might work through me.

I gave a small part that I might not get too involved.

Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you,

only when it is convenient for me to do so,

only in those places where it is safe to do so,

and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Father, forgive me,

renew me,

send me out

as a usable instrument,

that I might take seriously

the meaning of your cross.

Joe Seremane, South Africa.

Lord

may I ever speak

as though it were the last word that I can speak.

May I ever act

as though it were the last action that I can perform

May I ever suffer

as though it were the last pain that I can offer.

May I ever pray

as though it were for me on earth

the last chance to speak to you.

Chiara Lubich, founder of The Focolare Movement, Italy

Disturbing God,

you identify with the weak and powerless,

and surprise us as we seek to do your will.

Help us to find true hope

in the now of our action

rather than in the distant future of our longing.

Joy Tetley, England.