Faithful, gracious God,
we offer our praise and gratitude
for your promises that encourage our lives.
Your promise
to be our companion always and
to make visible the signs that show us
the direction we are to take.
Your promise
to be our rock,
solid and sure, steady and real.
Your promise
to bring into union
that which is in discord.
Your promise
lived by Jesus.
God of mystery,
we hear too
your words of paradox.
The paradox
of faith and works,
of life and death,
darkness and light.
We are thankful that your spirit encourages us
to live in the midst of these tensions and
to trust your power of revelation.
We praise you and offer our gratitude for
calling us to live the reality of our lives
in the certainty of your acceptance, love and strength.
Compassionate one,
we are members of the human family - your family.
To us all
give ears to hear your promises and challenges.
To us all
give a healing deeper than the assurances and comfort
we often seek.
June 21, 1987