Pastoral Prayer, E5A

Unchanging God,
when we look ...
really look ...
we can see the God-flavors
in your people
all around us.
We see people standing up
for the things that are important to you
even when it is difficult,
even when it risks reputation
and community,
in quiet ways
and in very public ways,
and we are thankful for those who have the strength
to do what you have called them to do.
Give us strength, we pray,
to do the same ...
to put the needs of others
ahead of our own agendas,
to protect what is sacred,
and to name injustice when we see it.

Help us to bring out the God-colors
of people everywhere
whose lights have been hidden under bushel baskets
because of their race
or gender
or age
or religious beliefs
or sexual orientation.
Open our eyes to the gifts of every created being
that all may be appreciated
as they reflect your love and light
in the world.
So many simply need an opening, God,
through which to shine.
Remind us to take a step backwards today
and make room for those among us
whose lives do not mirror our own
but have the propensity
to enrich it.

Law-giving God,
you sent your Son to fulfil the law
and to interpret it.
In our humanity,
we so often interpret your law as judgement,
but Jesus taught us the law of love.
Open our hearts to what it means
to truly LOVE as you love ...
to truly DESIRE LOVE for all people ...
to truly SERVE and PROTECT your creation
and all creatures ...
as Jesus taught us,
with malice toward none.
Light of the World,
shine your healing light
into
and around
and through us
that the world you created
may once again reflect your goodness for all.

*(C) Julie Gvillo, A Place of Grace, February 2020
*Liturgy based on Matthew 5:13-20.  A Place of Grace  encourages you to share blog posts via email or social media. Permission is not granted to cut-and-paste prayers without a link back to the specific post, however you are welcome to use material in printed publications with proper attribution.
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