Forgive us for Being Fooled

All attempts to be righteous,

      hopes to attain holiness,

      self-loathing in sinful spurts,

      desires to manage image..

The vanity of this you have showed us full well.

That we can accomplish any of the above is but a folly-

           forgive us for being fooled.

A new day is here, so your mercies say.

Surprise us with the sweetness of your grace,

and teach us to look to you- 

                       you  who sees our broken states,

                       you who hears our fervent prayers,

                       you who continues good work within us.

Our Father, astound us with your faithful goodness.

Teach us not to hope more in our efforts, 

         (and in so to know disappointment)

but to hope in the surety of Jesus Christ within 

         (and in so to know life, peace, rest)

According to your will, Father,

by your work, Spirit,

and through the gift of yourself, Jesus, may this be so.