Prayer 3632: Third Sunday after Epiphany A

Blessed Jesus,
you call us to leave behind our boats and follow you:
let us leave behind the boat of tribalism
to step out onto the shore of kinship;
let us leave behind the boat of self-righteousness
and step out onto the shore of seeking
that we may be filled with awe at your loving-kindness,
and wonder at your abundant grace.

Blessed Jesus,
you called us to be fishers for people:
may we gather them to you
by offering the nourishment of your gospel,
in love, not in fear,
by living out your truths in compassion and mercy,
in joyful surrender to your Way,
with the vision of a restored creation dancing before us,
rather than judgment and coercion.

Blessed Jesus, you call us to cast our nets wide:
Let us cast nets
not as a trap, not to prevent escape.
Let us cast nets
beneath those who call out for help
fearing falling into nothingness,
nets as wide
as your outstretched arms, O Savior.

Wrap the mantle of your healing, O God,
around ragged hearts and aching bodies,
that we may rejoice that the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.
Rest your hand of comfort and tenderness
upon those who call out to You.

Amen.