Loving Father, You sent Your Son to rescue us from a life of self-absorption.

Yet we fall short of Your call
to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.

You asked for our hands that You might use them to serve others

We gave them for a moment
then withdrew them for the work was hard.

You asked for our mouths to speak of our Savior.

Pardon us for blushing to speak His name because we did not want to experience rejection.

You asked for our eyes
to see those around us who are spiritually and physically impoverished.

Forgive us for closing our eyes for we did not want to be troubled.

You asked for our lives that You might work through us.

We gave a small part
that we might not get too involved and be labeled fanatics.

Lord, forgive our calculated efforts to serve You—

only when it is convenient to do so,
only in those places where it is safe and easy.

Cleanse our hearts and send us out as useful vessels prepared for every good work.
For we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.