our father,
we come before you
a hopeful people
a faithful people.
we come before you with worries and pain
joy and thanks
we come with a thousand
plans
desires
dreams
lives.
we come in this time asking
to be equal before you
not only in your eyes
but in our hearts
may our grace and mercy to each other
extend as far
as the grace and mercy of Christ.
may our hearts be filled with compassion and justice
may we know and believe
that each person
was created by you
is loved by you
is valued by you.
may our charity flow freely
to your creation.
may we be a blessing to your world –
giving more than we take
recognizing
that you love all you have made.
teach us,
God,
to desire to honor your creation –
all of your creation –
as much as we desire to honor
You.