5. Prayers of a Life in Tension by Stephen W. Hiemstra

Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Holy Spirit—

We praise you for being willfully present in our lives—

present when we are paying attention

and present when we are not.

We confess the need for holiness—

Let your example shine through us.

We confess the need to be reconciled

with those that pain us and those we pain.

We confess that we are too often attracted

more to culture and less to you.

We thank you for the witness of your son, Jesus Christ,

and many spiritual gifts showered on us by your Holy Spirit.

Grant us strength for the day,

Grace for those we meet along the way,

and peace when peace seems distant.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.