Gracious God,
We gather together today
aware of your presence in the cool breeze
which awakens our senses
and refreshes our outlook.
It is easy–far too easy–God, to be weighed down
by the news of terrorism,
war,
domestic violence,
abuse–
some of which seems foreign and far off–
others of which are known far too personally.
Your refreshing cool breeze
reminds us of our hope:
that things can change;
that permanence is illusion;
that nothing is final.
Remind us, Divine One,
as we lift up our concerns to you,
of this hope which grants us buoyancy
and refuses to let us sink.
[read aloud the prayer cards]
Hope floats on the wings of your Spirit.
So remind us daily
of the presence of your Spirit
in, among, and around us.
Hope is a commitment and spiritual practice
that must be renewed daily.
Hope not only sees, but actively works for good in the world.
It stirs up in us a desire to serve
and to live peaceably and justly.
Hope motivates us on our spiritual paths
as we practice the living traditions of Jesus:
who welcomed those in need of hospitality;
who cared for the least among us
and made them his priority;
who considered the price of grace
and offered it anyway.
And who never gave up hope.
Blessed Be!
Prayers of the People 