Gracious God, we give you thanks this night/day for the gifts of life. We thank you for being the foundation that supports our roots, for anchoring us richly, for nourishing us through the rocky days, the stormy nights, the wind, rain, and cold. During times when it seems all but impossible to stay grounded, you hold onto us. We thank you for being there even when we are certain that we are all alone, abandoned to harsh elements.
God of life, we thank you for all the blessings of our lives. For various communities that support, sustain, and manifests images of You, of love and compassion and hope, through pain and hurt feelings, sorrow and loss. For our friends and family, may we also celebrate in times of joy!
Compassionate One, we ask that you be with those tonight who need you most. Those who are struggling with their last breath, those who are taking their first breath, those who need release and the chance to take a deep cleansing breath. Those who are being birthed into life, into new life, and into the next realm. Bring them your peace.
God of grace, lead us into your truth, your ways. Help us, each and everyone, in all walks of life, to hold before us a vision of your love. Help us, all, to love as you love, generously, all. Give us your eyes, your heart, help us to be your hands, help us to mend the broken places.
Merciful God, forgive us when we fail, pick us up when we fall, sustain us when we doubt, guide us when we fear, embrace us when we cry, and laugh with us when we have joy. Then help us to do the same with those we meet, those we know, those we encounter day and night, even those whose lives we do not know. Help us to see deeply into the pain we cause - knowingly or not -help us to exhale your mercy that others may inhale your love.
In all these ways helps us to know you as a God of relationship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Mother of all creation.
Amen.
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