Prayer 1997: On Stewardship (Matthew 15: 1-13)

Holy One,
we rise to center our hearts in you,
offering you thanks and praise for your protection and love;
for you are Creator of All,
and Creator of this little bird
and Creator of the seed she is eating.
You gather all things to yourself, O Merciful One,
and we rejoice at your lovingkindness,
O Holy and Undivided Trinity:
Source of All Being, Incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit.

Help us be alert for opportunities
to do justice,
to love mercy,
and walk humbly beside You, O God,
that our testimony to your beauty may be a light to all who see.
By the power of the Holy Spirit,
make us wise and resourceful in fulfilling our call,
offering to You, O God,
from the blessings you have given us,
that we as your disciples may do your work in the world around us.

Beloved Savior, press the kiss of your healing love
on all who turn to you for comfort, for relief, for peace,
especially those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Photo: the open doors of Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisiana, MO, July 15, 2018.