The Litany of Consumption

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?" (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

All hail the market, lord of lords, in whom we hope and for whom we labor. Forgive us for our contentedness and our half-heartedness. Teach us to trust alone in thee.

Hail fulfillment, that which is and is not and is to come. Let us know the happiness of buying, the discontent of having, and the lasting happiness in what is yet to buy. Let us seek the joy lost as soon as it is owned, by faith trusting that it is to be found by purchasing again.

Hail growth, and her daughter envy. Surely we must fuel our industry to sate our appetites, and we must stoke our appetites to consume what we have made. May our gods keep us employed, and may we sacrifice all they pay us so that our employment may continue.

Hail the destruction of creation, holy fire. Refine us of all that is not buying and making and wanting. Take from us place and family and history and give us work for today and new entertainments tomorrow.

Hail progress and freedom. Bind all who would bind us. Let us be who we desire, and teach us to desire what you sell. When we are lost, may the ad-man guide us home.

Fill us with the wine of distraction. Anoint us with the oil of productivity. May we so be fruitful gears in the body of your machine.

All hail the market, lord of lords, in whom we hope and for whom we labor.
Amen.