God of all beings, through Christ you bid us:

be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.

But we insist on choosing between the two.

Forgive us, God, our educated cynicism.

Forgive us, too, our ignorant bliss.

Open our eyes to see the world through yours,

lest we mistake ignorance for innocence,

or worldliness for wisdom.

In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

(image: http://www.forwallpaper.com/wallpaper/bird-versus-snake-678294.html. And yes, I do realize that is not a dove, but its such a cool picture I couldn’t resist.)