Holy and loving God,
we have dwelt in darkness
and preferred it to the light;
we have been proud of our accomplishments
and despaired over our shortcomings.
Smooth down the mountains of our pride,
and lift up the valleys of our doubts.
Open a path in the wilderness of our lives
that we might find our way to you again.
Refine us and prepare us once again
for life in your kingdom.
Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.