Distinguishing between want and need is no simple task for us humans. Perhaps that is why Jesus taught us to pray the way he did, focusing our attention on the will and way of the Father before getting into our daily details. In the same vein, we dare pray together this prayer adapted from Ernest Campbell.
We pray now, gracious Father, for our needs, insofar as we can distinguish what we need from what we want.
We want friends; we need deliverance from overweening pride and playing the comparison games that puts others off.
We want light; we need discipline to sustain the search for truth amid the chaotic noise of our moment.
We want peace; we need patience and courage for that which makes for peace.
We want excitement; we need victory over distractions and artificial stimulants, and the character to face life as it is.
We want love; we need fidelity, the only context in which authentic love can flourish.
Destroy what is evil in us, O Father, and incline our hearts toward good.
All this we dare to pray,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.