Today we are heading to a large local shopping centre. We go in some trepidation: large shopping centres are comparable to the lower circles of hell in my estimation. It has prompted me to think about writing a selection of really useful prayers for situations such as this, which clearly put one's soul in danger. (Other obvious examples would be For One about to Switch on the Television, For One Considering Drinking a Third Glass of Merlot, For all Those Writing their CVs and Tempted to Stretch the Truth). Anyway, here's a prayer For Those in Peril at the Shops.
Lord God Almighty, these shops and all that is in them are part of your creation: fallen, but not without the value that exists in all you have made. Be near us as we venture into them.
Lord God Almighty, these shops and all that is in them are part of your creation: fallen, but not without the value that exists in all you have made. Be near us as we venture into them.
Deliver us from the worship of nice things; from the temptation to find our meaning in consumption; from the envy of supermodels; from the coveting of our neighbour's clothes, lounge suite, haircut or sound system.
Deliver us from the exhaustion of shopping; from unkindness towards shop assistants; from hatred of teenagers; from the over-consumption of mud cake in an attempt to cope with the endless walking around.
Deliver us from the exhaustion of shopping; from unkindness towards shop assistants; from hatred of teenagers; from the over-consumption of mud cake in an attempt to cope with the endless walking around.
Give us clear purpose, strength of will, discernment, and charity towards others, even those people who waylay us to attempt to convince us to sign up for another credit card.
Remind us, amidst the bright promises of happiness that this place offers that yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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