Prayers of the People, P+23A

Hear our prayers, O merciful God!
Hope is our downfall.
We are feeling hopeless
Because we are not inclining our ears
to you,
Because we are not reflecting
On the wonders you have done
and keep doing,
Because we have failed to focus
on your mercy
And your might.
Lift up our eyes, we pray.
Help us to see you at work in our midst.
Help us to hear your voice
In the songs of the children playing,
In the chatter of insects
And the call of animals,
In the proclamation of the Word.
Help us to see you
in the resilience of the suffering,
In the courage of the brave,
In the strength of the grieving,
In the compassion of those who bring
Relief.
Help us to feel you in a friend’s embrace,
In the touch of a loved one’s hand,
In the heartbeat of our furry friends.
Renew our hope in your sovereignty,
We pray,
And grants us wisdom
And grace
To continue on
That we might tell of your wonders
Not only with our mouths,
But also by the ways in which we live.
Amen.