Prayers of Karl Barth 105
Set readings
The Gospel is not a religious message to inform people of their divinity
or to tell them how they may become divine. The Gospel proclaims
a God utterly distinct from humanity. Salvation comes to them from
him, because they are, as human beings, incapable of knowing him,
and because they have no right to claim anything from him. The
Gospel, since it is always new, must always be received with renewed
fear and trembling. It demands participation, com prehension,
cooperation; because it is a communication which presumes faith in
the living God, and which creates that which it presumes.^340
Prayer
Free prayer, or...
Eternal God, I pray for myself and for those dear to me......
When we are afraid do not let us despair. When we are disap-
pointed do not let us become bitter. When we have fallen do not let
us stay down. When we are at the end of our understanding and our
powers, do not let us perish. Rather, let us feel your closeness and
your love, which you have promised especially to those whose hearts
are humble and broken and who stand in fear before your word.^341
I pray for my community and neighbours......
Lord God and Father, much human concern falls away when your
dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, comes into our lives and puts every-
thing in order. Have mercy on those who do not know you and your
kingdom, or do not yet truly know. Also on those who once knew
everything well, but forgot it again, or misunderstood it, or even
denied it. Amen.^342