Prayer 1451: Called to Love

Some of my beloved friends from Eden who braved the weather at my ordination to the diaconate;
Barbara is taking the photo.

Blessed Savior, we sit in peace before You, worshipping You in the beauty of holiness, praising you for all your blessings. 

Forgive us our callous disregard for the lives of others, for our infliction of pain, for our apathy and silence before evil. 

You have called us to live in integrity and shalom: may we follow in the Way of Jesus, the way of healing and mercy. 
Awaken and renew our determination to love others as ourselves, and to respect the dignity of every person. 
Give us wise and empathetic hearts, that we never look on the suffering of others without compassion and a will to help. 
With an open and generous hand You guide us: accept our prayers as we seek to serve You, each other, and all creation. 

Lord Christ, place the mantle of your protection, we pray, over those we remember before You now.

Amen.