Thread by @dianabutlerbass

Getting ready to mail our taxes.

I always pray as I mail them:

Thank you, God, that we live in a nation wise enough to understand that when we share goods we create more good, especially for the poor, those suffering, and those in need.

Multiple this tax payment so hungry people will be fed, prisoners will be treated justly, students educated, our parks and natural resources cared for.

Lift my heart toward gratitude today. That my family can contribute to the good of this land. That we have a small part in making a great country.

Forgive us, Lord, when this money is used for evil and violence. When the common purse funds programs and policies that work against love, when this money is used to enrich the wealthy and make the poor poorer.

Empower my family, God, to stand and speak and work for the good use of all your resources. To protest inequality and the corrupt uses of these tax monies.

May the financial benefit you entrust to us be a blessing to those whom you love, those closest to your heart. May these funds go toward creating a society where compassion is foremost and cruelty is banished.

May our hard work in 2018 be work well-done and contribute to the good work of community, fairness, true freedom, and justice.

And so, knowing all these things -- that this check represents the common good and does good, that we beg forgiveness when it is used toward sin and evil, empower us to have the good overcome corruption, and fill our lives with gratitude and joy of work and community.

Weave the threads of that community, God. That generosity would overcome selfishness; grace displace injustice; and gratitude guide toward healing divisions. Thank you for the bounty of our American table. May more & more seats to pulled up to that table and may all be fed. Amen.

*Multiply in tweet 2 (sorry for any other typos!)

And I added a prayer when I dropped the envelope in the mailbox today -- May this money never be used to build walls, only to set tables.