Prayer 2200

Blessed are You, O God of Our Strength:
your hand has held us tenderly through the night,
and your Name of Love has been our Shield.

We turn to you in faith, Beloved Savior,
for we know You are our ever-present champion and help.
Guard and protect all those who turn to You,
O Holy One, O Creating Spirit,
and let your mercy and peace rest especially
upon those facing trials:
the defenseless, the ill,
the refugee, the unhoused,
the underemployed, the oppressed.

Make smooth the path of all who travel, O Lord,
and guide us all into paths of integrity and justice.
Kindle the flame of empathy
within the hearths of our hearts,
O Merciful One,
and gather within your embrace those for whom we pray.

Amen.