The Last Word and The *Prayer* After That

As we continue processing Brian McLaren's The Last Word and The Word After That, I offer the following prayer by Walter Brueggemann, entitled, "Into Our Several Hells":

There is evidence that our society is going to hell in a handbasket;

The hell holes are easy to spot in the news;

And we, even in our privilege, know various signs and degrees of hell.

But we confess that you are the God who has descended into our several hells,

submitted,

suffered,

been present...

and then raised in power to new life.

We care not so much about your ascent into heaven

as we do about your restoration of the earth.

You are the God who raised others even as you ascend in new power.

So raise us this day from all our negativities;

So raise our city this day from its cruel failures;

So raise our world this day from its several hells

of brutality and uncaring.

So raise us to new praise and glad obedience.

You who descend and who are raised in splendor.

Hallelujah! Amen.

(from Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann)