Epiphany 38

Lord and God,

Speak, Lord, and let us listen. You who speak faithfully, not doubly as men do, you who are true to your word, the only non-hypocrite, who says and truly does, let us listen to you. You made provisions to guard your people from rash oaths, for forgiveness and responsibility. Yet we, like Pharisees, extend provision to enable sin. We love loopholes and technicalities, to call lawlessness perfection.

Only you, Lord, can make a brood of serpents into a hen’s brood. As your anger gives way to lament, speak a better word for us. For the end of the lawless is indeed destruction. Our feet have slipped into their ways, but let us come into your temple, into earshot if you. Whom have we in heaven but you? Though our hearts fail, be our strength. Renew us by your word.