Prayer

From Whom No Secrets Are Hid

We are rich conundrums of secrets,

we weave a pattern of lies in order to be

well thought of,

we engage in subterfuge about our truth.

We carry old secrets too painful to utter,

too shameful to acknowledge,

too burdensome to bear,

of failures we cannot undo,

of alienations we regret but cannot fix,

of grandiose exhibits we cannot curb.

And you know them.

You know them all.

And so we take a deep sigh in your presence,

no longer needing to pretend and

cover up and

deny.

We mostly do not have big sins to confess,

only modest shames that do not

fit our hoped-for selves.

And then we find that your knowing is more

powerful than our secrets.

You know and do not turn away,

and our secrets that seemed too powerful

are emptied of strength,

secrets that seemed too burdensome

are now less severe.

We marvel that when you find us out

you stay with us,

taking us seriously,

taking our secrets soberly,

but not ultimately,

overpowering our little failure

with your massive love

and abiding patience.

We long to be fully, honestly

exposed to your gaze of gentleness.

in the moment of your knowing

we are eased and lightened,

and we feel the surge of joy move in our bodies,

because we are not ours in cringing

but yours in communion.

We are yours and find the truth before you

makes us free for

wonder, love, praise – and new life.

Prayer by

Walter Brueggmann