God of Abundance,
we raise our hearts to You in praise,
and ask your Spirit to guide us in wisdom and love.
Help us, O God,
to be rigorous in judging ourselves,
and gracious in judging others,
remembering the repeated forgiveness which upholds us.
Even when we cannot think alike,
help us to love alike, Blessed Savior,
making us of one heart
even if not of one opinion.
Rather, let us love one another fully,
embracing all who seek You, O Holy One,
by doing all the good we can,
by all the means we can,
in all the ways we can,
in all the places we can,
at all the times we can,
to all the people we can,
as long as ever we can.
Spirit of Love, set us ablaze with a holy fire,
and fill us with courage
to witness to the power of God's love in our lives,
as we ask your blessing upon these beloveds.
Amen.
(Written as the United Methodist Church opens a special session of their General Conference here in St. Louis to address whether they will fully accept all members, including LGBTQ members.)
