When in our minds we hear
A message from our Lord
We think ourselves more blest
Than those who have not heard.

But when the message brings
Us ridicule and hate
We then complain to God
About our unjust fate.

Then deep within our hearts
The word within us burns
And though we would not speak
Yet for that speech it yearns.

Sing praises to our Lord
Who in good times and ill
Stands lovingly by us
And remains with us still.

We know, O Lord, that we have marred
The vision you have made.
We know, O Lord, that we are barred
From that full fellowship with thee
Unless in Christ we live.

We know, O Lord, we are not worth
Much in our sinfulness
Yet you, O Lord, brought Christ to birth
To live among us on this earth
And help our lives be free.

We know, O Lord, that of your love
Your spirit is in us.
And by that power from above
To give us an almighty shove
To live and work for thee.

This complex, even convoluted, argument seems very strange to our modern ideas. We are not, in our western civilization at least, very familiar with death. Furthermore, in our 'Post-Modern' and very relative thinking, even the concept of 'sin' is a highly variable one. However it is apparent that we, both as individuals and as society at large, lack significant substantial qualities in our lives. The hope that a materially wealthy life-style would be satisfying has no substance in reality. We are gripped by feelings of inadequacy if we do not have the latest 'gimmick'.
The abandonment of traditional religious beliefs has been supplanted by a mish-mash of old superstitions and modern 'psycho-babble' masquerading under the 'New-Age' banner.
Perhaps, most interesting of all is, the significant parallel between the spiritual state of twenty-first century and first century humanity.
Thus as Christians we can make a real and reasonable claim that faith in Christ and life empowered by the Holy Spirit provides the answer to our life-style challenges.

Lord, you have taught us that in Christ power must be rightly used
Lord, you have shown us that in Christ love alone can rule the world.
Lord, you have given your Holy Spirit to guide us in life;
May we always live to you.

Lord, you have taught us, in Adam, the right way of obedience.
Lord, you have shown us, in Christ, how costly obedience can be.
Lord, you have given your Holy Spirit to empower us;
May that Spirit fill our lives.

Lord, you have revealed to us the manner of your creation.
Lord, you have come to us, in Christ, to show us your love for us all.
Through your Holy Spirit, Lord, you have enlightened all our minds;
May we be at one with you .