create in us your heart, o God.
a heart of love
a heart of justice
a heart of righteousness.
open our eyes.
let us not be blind
to the pain and suffering
around us
as we so often are
but place it
where it cannot be ignored.
open our ears.
force us to hear
the screaming calls
of the weak
the oppressed
children and mothers
widows and orphans.
open our voices
make us cry out
against the world
against our friends.
concern us not
with our popularity
but with grace.
destroy our pride.
destroy our selfishness.
destroy our sinful desire.
take our lives
and make us
a blessing
to all those we meet.
those who seek shall find.
help us not only seek you
but also those who need you.