Free Indeed

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

Tender Creator, you love us all equally

you set us free to live our lives well

you teach us the ways of gratitude

and yet some would bind us in chains.

You are reflected in all our diversity

you are found in the nearby and far away

your heart beats in every race and culture

yet we often want to see you in our likeness.

Throughout history we have enslaved some

taken lives and land thinking we were free

believing in our superiority and rightness

you were weeping then and you are weeping still.

Help us break the chains of our great sins

leaving arrogance, pride and selfishness alone

taking up your ways of love and forgiveness 

setting free your love throughout our world. Amen.