Prayers of the People, OT14B

Faithful and ever-present God,
Hear the cries of those who come, uninvited, to the party,
Hoping to be included,
Longing to dance in the safety of community,
And are separated from those they love
As the door is shut in their faces.
Be merciful, O God, we pray, and inspire hope in them
that they may dance the dance of freedom.
Hear the cries of those who wait to be rescued,
Willing themselves to stay alive,
Praying for strength.
Hear the cries of those who wait for them
And the rescuers who seek to restore them to wholeness.
Be merciful, O God, we pray, and inspire hope in them
That they may dance the dance of new life.
Hear the sighs of those whose hearts are hardened
As they look upon joyful expression
From places of fear
And jealousy
And loneliness.
Open their hearts to the delight that comes
When they release their rigid hold
on self-control,
and follow your lead.
Playful Creator, send your whirling Spirit
To dance within and among us
Just as you sent your Son to lead us in the dance
Of life that is rooted in love.
Amen.