by: Lisa K. Massello
Loving and gracious God,
We thank You for the blessings of this day and the opportunity to come together to build community, to pray, to learn and to make a difference in this world. Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to the message we will hear today. Help us choose right from wrong and good over evil. Give us wisdom - for the world is not simply black and white; it is complex and challenging, where black and white blend to gray. Help us to focus on the example of Jesus who sought to teach us Your ways. When we are tempted to judge others, open our hearts to mercy. When we have been hurt, open our hearts to forgiveness. When we have sinned, help us to know and experience Your mercy and forgiveness. Give us the wisdom to embrace our humanity, to build the Kingdom of God here on earth, and to remain one with You in all that we do.
We ask this in Christ's name, Amen.
by: Delle Nadler
Heavenly Father, creator of the universe, guide to Earth's gifts;
Thank you for the wisdom present here today. As we leave this gathering, may respect for life, the dignity of human persons, and ecological preservation be our first righteous action(s).
Imbue grace upon those who struggle. With generosity, let us witness their emergence from hardship and the sharing of the experience for the well-being of others and the community.
Open our eyes, ears, hearts and minds to create innovative, sustainable collaborations - that bring together diverse, alienated, deprived individuals and groups - for spiritual and ecological equilibrium.
Bless us all with steady feet and lessons learned.