Prayer 2513

Merciful, Loving God, 
we turn to you in gratitude 
for bringing us through the shades of night, 
and for the gift of this new day. 

We pray for those exposed to the cold, 
human and animal alike, 
for those who lack adequate housing,
for those who lack warm food,
and for those who work in all weather.
Your eye is on the sparrow, O God of Creation; 
may we follow in your Way of Empathy.

Help us to show our gratitude
by sharing what we have,
and by caring for those we meet
in recognition of our common bonds,
each a beloved child or creature of God.

Grant your blessing, O Savior,
upon all who work or watch or weep this day,
and gather around the hearth of your mercy
all those for whom we pray.

Amen.