Prayer for the last Sunday in August

Ruler of the everlasting kingdom,
Prince of peace, champion of the despised:
You are the king;
You make a cross your throne;
You wear a crown of thorns;
You call your subjects friends.
Help us to take up our cross,
to hunger and thirst for all that is good;
then will Your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.

(from "The New Zealand Prayer Book")