Less religion, more announcement

Created may our faith be less a religion
but more an announcement
of the way of life
heaven warms to

an announcement of Jesus
where all who seek
find
where those who hurt
can touch what heals
where those who have been silenced
hear their voice
where diversity
is a celebration of life
and where differences
become the vibrant colours of our community

May our faith be less a religion
which always divides
and more an announcement
of grace-filled good news for all

and may we find humility
confessing the grace we have denied
the welcome we have removed
the community we have broken
and the bread we have withdrawn

and seek your forgiveness

May our faith become less a religion
but more an announcement
of your generosity towards the world
your welcome to the meal for all
and may we proclaim it
demonstrate it
announce it
in a feast
of peace and justice
found in broken bread
spilled wine
and running water
that says your ‘Yes!’
to the world’s no ‘No!’
a word strong enough to break through
all that binds up

May we have the faith
that does not become a religion
but an announcement
of your manifesto

So be it
Amen

The idea of Christianity being less and religion and more and announcement comes from Tabled, a fabulous website.