Holy one, spirit of creation
of flesh, of mystery,
we gather in worship
as part of the worldwide church seeking
to give birth to expressions of community
that embody your vision for us and for our world.
We gather affirming your presence
in our midst.
Divine mystery,
dwelling place for all people,
dancing energy in our souls,
we offer gratitude
that we are invited to move among the creations
of this world
bringing joy and renewing love.
Womb of all,
as we recognize our national holiday
that honors Christopher Columbus,
may we be reminded
of how blind we can be
to the needs and rights of others
when we discover things
we want for ourselves,
how we can fail
to protect and honor those
whose lives and way of life
may be affected by our own selfish concerns.
We intercede for all
who have suffered from such selfishness.
Compassionate, healing Christ spirit,
we seek your encouragement and guidance
as we offer your message of inclusion and acceptance.
As we seek to build our community
afresh for another year with a vision of liberation and love,
show us the ways
to move from isolation and separation
into bonding relationships of mutuality,
into healing relationships that make possible
reconciliation and new beginnings, into prayer
for the welfare of the alienated and exiled.
October 11, 1998