I beseech you, heart of hearts, to defend us from the news cycle.
In a season where we celebrate the recognition of your love come among us, we seek to be shielded from abuses of power in all its forms, and at every level of existence.
Woe be to those who manipulate, lie, cheat, and exploit for their own gain.
Mercy be to those who are marginalized, oppressed, and spat upon.
Embrace the ones who, wounded by the powerful, need to tend to reopened wounds.
Equip your servants with compassion and bottomless love that we might convey your light to a messy and broken world.
Bind our own wounds as we strive to be conduits of healing.
In the face of despair, remind us of the pervasive and persistent presence of grace.
Victories large and small surround us and dwell within us, expressed through laughter, tears, song, joyful tremors of the heart, and unnamed thoughts that open spaces in our being to be flooded by your love. Puppies, kittens, and koalas, too.
Help us take a break.
Lead us deep into the marrow of your creation where we might find renewal. Remind us of the peace that passes all understanding.
Raise us into the light of companionship that sings your sacred song.
Amen.
Anne Fraley is rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in South Windsor, CT. A life-long dog-lover, she escapes the demands of parish life volunteering for animal rescue groups. She occasionally succeeds at reviving her blog at reverent irreverence.
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