Spirit of life,
we come together this Easter morning to rejoice in the ongoing song of life that is within us and around us.
In this season of renewal, of life bursting into bloom or song,
the hidden beauty of nature preparing to unfold,
remind us that we too have a hidden inner beauty,
reflecting the image of your creative power.

Yet for all the beauty that lives in us and among us-we doubt its realization.
We question our talent, our beauty, our abilities, our value.
We become cynical about love; jaded about peace, less hopeful about the future.
We roll stones across entrances; build fences instead of gates;
close fists instead of open arms.

Spirit of Resurrection, remind us of the power of hope to triumph over fear,
the power of love to prevail over the horrors of hate,
the potential for peace to be victorious over hostility.

We pray for all that is still possible, but not yet fulfilled —
We pray for the women and men in Iraq this morning,
both the innocent civilians of Iraq and the women and men serving in the
Armed Forces who face danger and death daily.

It may take a miracle-but we pray for this war to come to a swift and peaceful end; that our troops may safely return home to their families and friends; and that the Iraqi people will make stability and democracy their daily bread.

Spirit of life, as we feel you flowing and pulsing within,
we pray for a courageous and joyous faith,
empowering us to become our finest and truest selves,
empowering us to see your image in our brothers and sisters,
empowering us to participate with you in the creation
of a new time of life,
in which love, justice, beauty and peace are abundantly available to all.

For this we pray. Amen.