Gardener, Maker
Only Wise God
who tends the life of the world

You formed us from the dust:
wellspring of life,
beckoner of justice

When we turn from your life-giving way
send us back to dust
to be formed again by your gracious hand

When we disregard creation
send us back to dust
to be rejoined with the wonder of your world

You formed us from the dust:
self-giving sovereign
who whispers mercy into being

When we make of ourselves an idol
send us back to dust
to be filled again with your breath of life

When we disregard the poor
send us back to dust
to be emptied of our selfish indulgence

God of ashes and sackcloth and hope
send us into wild places
to retread your way of liberation

Take us again on the journey of life
that winds its way through deathly valleys

Take us again on the journey of death
that winds its way past tender streams

Gardener, Maker
Only Wise God
and the life of the world

Teach us again the way of your hope
Baptise us again into your fellowship
of loving and serving and suffering and joy

In the name of the beloved One:
Jesus the Anointed,
tender child and pioneer of peace
Amen.