Prayers of Karl Barth 109
The Word of God
Lord and Father, you speak today as yesterday and you will speak
tomorrow as today, telling that you have always loved me and
therefore in your pure goodness you have lifted me to yourself. I hear
you, but help me to hear you aright. Amen.^353
Set readings
As far as we can see our hands are empty.. ., but God justifies himself
in our presence and thereby we are justified in his presence. By
making us his prisoners, he sets us free; by rejecting us as we are, he
affirms us to be what we are not; he takes our side and uses us for his
purpose and thereby his side becomes our side, his right our right,
and his good work is begun in us. He acknowledges us and is with us.
He promises us salvation in his kingdom.^354
Prayer
Free prayer, or...
Eternal God, I pray for myself and for those dear to me......
You were God from all eternity; you are God; you will be God. I
am glad to build my life on you and trust you. Amen.^355
I pray for my community and neighbours......
Together with all who recognize you as Lord, I ask that your saving
work may not be fruitless. For the sake of many who have not known
you, or do not yet know you as Lord, keep our eyes open. Open their
eyes too: the indifferent, the despairing, the rough and the refined
atheists, sceptics, or however they call themselves, so that they also –
who at heart are so sad – may be glad. Amen.^356