Prayer & Praise

Giver of all our years, ruler of all our times, for this beginning – and all beginnings, we give you thanks.

We pray for energy and freedom and courage proper to a beginning, and ask for your gifts.

While we begin, we acknowledge that we are not, here, not ever, at a beginning.

Before us were our mothers and fathers;

before us were our teachers and pastors;

before us were many scholars who worked hard and saw much,

before us were fanatics who have run great risks, and have kept the text for us.

And before all of them, you you in your wisdom and your glory,

you in your power and your mercy.

We make our beginning in the presence of all these witnesses,

we make our beginning from you and toward you and in you,

that our work and study should be as praise for you,

You who give all our years,

You who rule all our times.

Amen.
Walter Brueggemann. Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: The Prayers of Walter Brueggemann (p. 66). Kindle Edition.