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 the 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.


On reading 2 Samuel 12
Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Bruggemann (c) 2003