This is another morning prayer from Walter Rauschenbush’s little prayer book. This particular prayer is difficult but necessary for me. It is a prayer to be made the kind of person who is postured to be in ministry to people in a way that doesn’t propagate a spirituality that necessitates a certain place in society, in particular, a certain economic place in society. It is a prayer that says, may we have the simple life of Jesus both as our way of living & as the gift we have to offer to others… all others, no more & no less.
O God, We beg you to save us this day from the distractions of vanity and the false lure of inordinate desires. Grant us the grace of a quite & humble mind, & may we learn of Jesus to be meek & lowly of heart. May we not join the company of those who seek after things that never satisfy and who draw others after them in the fever of covetousness. Save us from adding our influence to the drag of temptation. If the fierce tide of greed beats against the breakwaters of our soul, may we rest at peace in the higher contentment. In the press of life may we pass from task to task in tranquillity of heart & spread your quietness to all who come near. Amen.
