Prayers of the People, Transfiguration Sunday, Year C

​Almighty God,
we are those whose hearts long for you,
for time in your presence,
for the sound of your voice,
for the warmth of your love.
We are also the ones who hide our faces,
who run in the opposite direction,
who fear coming into your light.
Shine your light into us
and around us
and through us, we pray,
drawing us near
and healing our spirits.

We are those who veil ourselves from one another,
who propose structures that separate us,
who dread returning to the work of reconciliation
and of justice
and yet long to do your will,
even when it wearies us.
Empower us by your Spirit, Lord,
that we might return to our callings strengthened
and refreshed
with hearts that are open
and courage that does not wane.

We are those who love you
and love our neighbor
quantitatively ...
conditionally ...
and with reservation.
Transform us by your Word,
living and active,
that we might drop our defenses
and see into the hearts of your created beings
with love that knows no end.

Ignite in us a passion for you
that can only be satisfied
by creating sacred space
with the expectation that we will be transformed
and sent,
charged with witnessing
to your infinite glory
in all the places where those who also long
to dwell with you
reside.