Lord, God of Heaven,
though we each come from different places,
you join us together in one body.
Take both our talents and troubles
and weave us into one tapestry
showing with beauty and splendor
the story of your kingdom
that all people may be drawn
into your glorious presence.

By the grace
and the name
of Jesus Christ our Savior
who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

May you embrace the generosity of God instead of questioning it.

May you exhibit the grace of God instead of resenting it.

And may you share the life of Christ,
a worker in his eternal kingdom,
messenger of mercy without end.

May your hunger an thirst for righteousness lead you to mercy, that you become a minister of Christ’s reconciliation.

May you recognize your enormous debt to God, cancelled on Calvary’s hill for all eternity.

And may you forgive with the Spirit of Christ, who, as he was lifted up on the cross, forgave both the actions and ignorance of his killers, pleading their case before the Father in heaven.