You know, Lord, that flurries of civic criticism
seem to sprout seasonally in our community
like dandelions or crabgrass in the best-kept lawn.
On a day when the voices of opposition are momentarily stilled,
we take this quiet moment, Lord, to thank You
for our critics.
We thank You for their nettlesome personalities,
that needle us into examining our weaker policies.
We thank You for their sometimes less-than-lucid arguments,
that make us tighten our own logic.
We even thank You, Lord, for the tendency of critics
to be negative, because it reminds us always to be
positive as we plan for the future of our city.
All of us need critics, Lord,
to catch our mistakes,
to cover our fumbles,
to regulate our egos,
and to challenge our perspectives.
We need our critics, Lord, but we seldom enjoy them.
Grant us patience with those who pester us,
kindness for those who are rude,
tolerance for the uninformed,
and sympathy for those in distress,
so that all who enter these chambers may be treated
with dignity and respect.
In the spirit of Him who prayed for his critics
when they nailed Him to a cross. Amen.