Prayer

O Creative Spirit of Life, in which we live and move and have our being:

We give thanks for all of nature's bounties.

We give thanks for caring friends and compassionate neighbors.

We give thanks for the communion of those who seek to serve others.

Each of us carries our private griefs and burdens. Sometimes we can share these, and for the open hearts which respond we are grateful.

Sometimes the world bears heavily upon us; we struggle alone, search the depths and long for healing, for renewed hope, for strength, which give their grace and peace.

May we be strengthened in efforts to be of service, and may we always be mindful our lives are filled with privilege, success, and joy that are foreclosed to many.

May our prayer be that we always see clearly and keep before us the commandment to care; and may we try always to be inclusive and open—not exclusive and narrow.

On this day and every day, may we give thanks, but let us also be dissatisfied with the world as it is for a new world is waiting to be realized.

May our spirits and bodies be nourished and nurtured as we give thanks in praise of all that sustains, heals and holds—all that is holy.

Amen