Loving One
we ask that your kingdom come on Earth,
and peace and equity reign throughout this land
and all lands.
Help us to lay willing hands to the plow of justice
as we seek to turn the soil of suffering
into a field of hope.
Help us to plant seeds of compassion with each step,
and make our hearts the fertile ground
to bring the common good to life.
Help us to tend
the tender shoots of faith
in You and in each other
to create a verdant field of witness
to the love we bear each other without distinction.
And lift up those who struggle,
comfort those who mourn,
soothe those who are anxious,
we humbly pray.
Amen.
Almighty God,
set your seal upon our hearts
as we rise and seek to be a blessing
in this day that You have made:
glory and praise be yours forever!
Save us from the presumption
of speaking only
and not opening our ears
to hear your blessing
breathed through
even the winter trees.
May we ever know your call to faithfulness
echoed within the thrum of our hearts,
beating out your repeated blessing
through the miracle of this day, your gift to us
to practice reconciliation
and take up your healing work in the world.
Blessed Savior,
may our hearts blaze with your love today,
that we choose to walk in integrity and hope,
tearing down the barriers we erect by fear and distrust
when we fail to treat one another with honor and dignity.
As we bear your Name, may we embody your truth.
Bless the hands that heal and minister today,
and grant your peace to those for whom we pray.
Amen.
