Prayer 1957: All is at Rest, All Is at Peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

In peace, we pray to you, O God,
for you have molded us and given us life,
and our times are in your hand.
Whether building up or tearing down,
all is at rest, all is at peace,
all is centered within you, Our Safe Harbor.

From birth to death and beyond the grave,
in times of illness and in times of healing,
we make our song to You, O Creator.
Your hand is upon us, O Loving One,
in our tears and in our mourning,
as it is in our laughter and dancing joy.
Your love, Blessed Savior, is a lamp to guide us,
whether we are lost or found,
seeking or finding,
building up or casting down:
all is contained within your holy wisdom.
Even when we know not the words to pray,
You, O Holy Spirit, know already
what weighs upon our hearts,
and enfold us in your shining light and tender embrace:
speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.

Abide within us, we pray, O Holy One,
that within each season of our lives,
we may rest in the assurance of your mercy and companionship
mending the ragged hems of our hearts,
restoring our souls by your grace.

Upon each indrawn breath,
may we breathe in your peace, Lord Christ:
may our prayers rise like kindled sparks from the depths of our spirits,
gathered within the hearth of your Sacred Heart as we pray.

Amen.