Lord of reality,

make me real, not plastic, synthetic, pretend, phony, an actor playing out his part -
hypocrite.
I don't want to keep a prayer list
- but to pray,
Nor agonize to find Your will
- but to obey what I already know,
I don't want to argue theories of inspiration
- but to submit to Your Word.
I don't want to explain the difference between eros and philos and agape
- but to love.
I don't want to sing as if I mean it
- I want to mean it.
I don't want to tell it like it is
- but to be like You want it.
I don't want to think another needs me
- but I need him, else I'm not complete.
I don't want to tell others how to do it
- but to do it;
I don't want to have to be always right
- but to admit it when I'm wrong.
I don't want to be a census taker
- but an obstetrician
Nor an involved person, a professional
- but a friend.
I don't want to be insensitive
- but to hurt where other people hurt
Nor to say "I know how you feel"
- but to say, "God knows" and "I'll try if you'll be patient with me" and meanwhile I'll be quiet.
I don't want to scorn the clichés of others
- but to mean everything I say
Including this!