From my book More Selected Prayers for Public Worship – published by Kevin Mayhew, priced £21.99, in 2013 – a reminder that, in no small part, it is down to us whether or not our Advent hopes will be fulfilled.
Almighty God,
we’ve no problem with praying for the dawn of your kingdom,
for words are easy enough to say,
but when it comes to bringing it closer here on earth
it’s a different story,
for suddenly it involves us as well as you –
our willingness to serve,
love,
give
and sacrifice.
We back away,
afraid of what that might demand and cost,
yet you have made clear in Christ that this is what true discipleship means:
not just proclaiming your kingdom but helping to build it,
working in whatever way possible to accomplish your will,
here and now.
Give us a vision not just of the future but also of the present.
Show us what you would have us do and help us to do it,
so that when we pray ‘Your kingdom come’,
we may truly mean it.
Amen.