a prayer for the church

I came across this prayer by Margaret and Ian Fraser. It seems appropriate as we approach the day of Jesus' death - disorienting, challenging.

Lord God,
whose son was content to die
to bring new life,
have mercy on your church
which will do anything you ask,
anything at all:
except die
and be reborn.

Lord Christ,
forbid us unity
that leaves us where we are
and as we are:
welded into one company
but extracted from the battle;
engaged to be yours
but not found at your side.

Holy Spirit of God -
reach deeper than our inertia and fears:
release us into the freedom of the children of God.