OT 57

Lord and God,

You who in wisdom founded the world, be praised. Hear us as we call to you for wisdom: the fear of the Lord. Understanding and righteousness are not found among the flesh. It is your breath which speaks the word that renews us and raises us above the lists of the flesh.

For when we try to speak it into ourselves we become slaves to laws we cannot keep, some of which you did not even command. We approach you as slaves not sons, asserting ourselves before you, justifying ourselves. We draw lines of flesh against the desires of the flesh, but these merely inoculate us to your will. Cure us, we pray, by Your Spirit. Against him there is no law. Then you will deliver us from the wicked without and the wicked within. Again and again, the old man returns. Again and again, show yourself ruler of your people to the ends of the earth.