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Eternal God, we thank you for Jesus, who brought hope to the distressed, promise to the despairing, and healing to the afflicted. In him there is the gift of life eternal to all who believe. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, who calls us to labor. As Christ is the vine, you name us the branches and send us forth to bear much fruit.

Let love lead us to be more forgiving, and add to love the discipline to be a reconciling force in the world. When enemies taunt us, assure us of your presence as we seek patience and inner strength. Amid tensions caused by misunderstanding, suspicion, or lack of trust, send your Spirit of insight and hope. Help us make the first move toward those we have offended, forsaking our pride in seeking peace.

Let love lead us to be more daring. Give us the boldness to speak out on behalf of the voiceless. Let us not be afraid to venture into dark places, or into situations in which we are not in control. Fill us with the confidence that you will not desert us, the assurance that what we do is in accord with your will. Keep us from becoming frustrated by the many faces of evil, and set our sights on those injustices that we can overcome.

Let love lead us to be more trusting. Give us the faith to make Christ supreme in our lives. Help us translate our words of confession into acts of compassion, our desire to be faithful into deeds of obedience. Your love does indeed work wonders. Work now in us, so that others may behold your love.

--from When We Gather: A Book of Prayers for Worship, by James G. Kirk. (Louisville, Kentucky: Geneva Press, 2001), 188.

James G. Kirk is pastor of Harundale Presbyterian Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland.