From my book More Selected Prayers for Public Worship, a prayer about breaking free from whatever stops us from living life in all its fullness.
Gracious God,
we have caught sight of your greatness,
of the awesome wonder of everything you are and do,
and our spirits soar in praise and worship.
We have glimpsed the new life you offer in Christ,
the fresh start and freedom you offer through him –
and our hearts take wings in delight.
Yet too easily such realities are obscured,
whether by the problems we face,
the weaknesses that beset us
or the concerns and demands of this world.
We find ourselves brought sharply down to earth,
unable to look higher or to rise above what keeps us from you.
Renew our strength,
restore our vision
and rekindle our faith,
so that we may break free of everything that holds us captive
and celebrate the glorious liberty you wish for all.
Amen.