PSALM OF CHANGE

PSALM OF CHANGE

Why do we have to prove we're always consistent:

is there virtue in knowing I've never changed my mind?

Officials are expected to pursue the policies laid down for them:

a politician needs to believe in the same things as before.

Yet Saint Paul could glory in his changed direction:

the preacher asks us to turn and be converted,

the counsellor is at pains to hear and support the inconsistencies:

a doctor may change the prescription in case I become immune!

Frequently I make mistakes and need to recant:

to say `sorry' shows maturity and hope for the future;

I can respect the person who acknowledges they were wrong before:

even with the best will in the world anyone can change their view.

But it's a sign of weakness to change a commitment:

are we willing to trust the person who admits an error of judgement?

Is it just that our society is adversarial:

are we able to produce more honest and human leaders?

Help me, God, to recognise my faults:

when I fail in my expectations to be strong enough to cope,

to be prepared to give another the credit for being right:

more ready to lose face myself than to lie myself out of trouble.

Teach me to change what needs to be changed:

give me courage to accept what cannot be altered,

but grant me wisdom to know the difference:

and always to give the glory to you.

Acknowledgement: The final verses are based on the prayer for serenity, words attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr.