"Gardener God,
Forgive us for the times we have kept our seeds in the packet.
For the times we’ve been too scared to risk, too selfish to love, too embarrassed to try.
Gardener God, have mercy on us.
Forgive us for where we have let weeds grow in the soil of our lives.
For the times we have forgotten to pray,
for the days when we don’t bother to listen,
for the moments when we neglect the stirring of your spirit.
Gardener God, have mercy on us.
Forgive us for when we have trampled on the seedlings of others.
Through careless words or outright criticism,
through envy or feeling threatened,
through being insensitive or wrapped up in ourselves.
Gardener God, have mercy on us.
Forgive us for when we think it’s all down to us.
When we forget that to grow we need the earth of our community,
The water of other people’s contribution,
The sunshine of your favor,
The nutrients that come through conversation and challenge.
Gardener God, have mercy on us.
Amen"
(Prayer by Jonny Baker)
