Prayer 1785: for ministry and dedication

Myself, the Rev. Dr. Maria Evans, and the Rev. Andrew Suitter
 after our grand ordination adventure was finally complete on December 17, 2016.
In the midst of an ice storm, Andrew and I were ordained on December 16,
and Maria was ordained the following morning after being stranded the night before.

(On the first anniversary of our ordination to the transitional diaconate)

Breathe upon us, Breath of God,
and consecrate us to your use, O Merciful One:
make us instruments of your love
transformed by your grace.
All that we have and are
we offer to you, O God:
make us worthy to stand before You, we pray.

Help us to minister to all we encounter,
be fully present to those we meet,
and honor your light in every face, O Savior.
Open our hearts to answer your call,
O Emmanuel,
to sow love and justice
even in the rockiest soils in our spirits
and throughout our journey today.
Give us voices to sing your praise, Lord Christ,
and the courage to witness to your gospel,
and set our feet surely
within the path of holiness and peace.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
place your hand over us and guard us, O God,
and all whose needs we remember before You as we pray.

Amen.