Lord, if I thought you were listening, I'd pray for this…
““Lord, if I thought you were listening, I'd pray for this above all: that any church set up in your name should remain poor, and powerless, and modest. That it should wield no authority except that of love. That it should never cast anyone out. That it should own no property and make no laws. That it should not condemn, but only forgive. That it should be not like a palace with marble walls and polished floors, and guards standing at the door, but like a tree with its roots deep in the soil, that shelters every kind of bird and beast and gives blossom in the spring and shade in the hot sun and fruit in the season, and in time gives up its good sound wood for the carpenter; but that sheds many thousands of seeds so that new trees can grow in its place. Does the tree say to the sparrow, 'Get out, you don't belong here?' Does the tree say to the hungry man, 'This fruit is not for you?' Does the tree test the loyalty of the beasts before it allows them into the shade?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A church should embody love, humility, and generosity, serving all without power or exclusion.
In simple terms: Church should be loving, modest, and inclusive.
Key Takeaway
Practice humility and generosity in leadership.
Themes
humility
inclusion
service
spirituality
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- community building
- faith leadership
- social activism
- charitable work
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
social responsibility
altruism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions stay humble?
- What practices keep power in check?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even well‑intentioned institutions.