Prayer 734

For Annual Meetings
Most Merciful God, watch over your people today, and uplift them in your service. From the shadow of your wings, we will rejoice, O Loving One, and dwell within your embrace forever! 

You are our Savior: save us from hardness of heart and from our stubborn clinging to all that separates us from each other. You are our Preserver: give us the strength not just to tread water but to strike out into the seas of life. You are our Shepherd: guide us into paths of wisdom as your people gather to discern your will. You are our God: dwell in our hearts, and send us out into the world to serve You and those who do not know You. 

Today, where there is wisdom, where this is charity, where there is service, let us praise it and help it to flourish. Help us to examine our priorities, and place them squarely upon building your kingdom for the life of the world. Hear the prayers that we raise up to You today, O Holy One, and draw close to You those for whom we pray.

Amen.