Hear my prayer, O my God,

for you alone are steadfast and good.

You alone can help me in these distressing times.

Darkness has eclipsed the glory of God’s presence among us.

Our citizens worship in ignorance,

led by culture priests who recite social liturgies,

teaching us what we should think,

how we should live, whom we should hate,

which group can guarantee our prosperity.

I turn on the news, and a smothering cloud descends.

Angry defenses and fiery accusations

shout down the quiet goodness of the Lord’s righteous ways.

O children of peace,

when you lie on your bed in the still of night,

you may rehash your grudges and plot your schemes,

or you may curb your anger and listen for the Lord.

Choose in your innermost thoughts the wisdom of God

that you may speak gracious words from the overflow of a wise heart.

Instead of asking, “Who will make us rich?”

ponder the bleak prospect of life without Christ’s saving mercy,

and make friendship with God your greatest treasure.

Hunger for the rule of God’s kingdom on earth.

Thirst for the joy of God’s favor,

more satisfying than new wine at a harvest feast.

Then will you lie down in peace

and sleep in safety,

for the Lord your God will cover you

with the soft wings of his sheltering love.