Given by S. Hessler
On Sunday, April 6

Dear God,

Show us the persons you want us to be.

In our joys and in our tears,
And in everything in between,
Open our hearts to your peace and love.

In our coming and in our going,
In our rushing and in our resting,
Take us to a higher place.

In the good days and in the mean days,
In times of safety and times of confusion,
Make us messengers of your peace and love.

In our wanting to control and judge,
Help us to surrender these wants to you.
Soften our hearts;  release us from judging others.

In the wrong-doings of others,
And in our own wrong-doings,
Help us to forgive and also to forgive ourselves.

Keep us on your narrow path -
It is so easy to lose ground.
Connect us, each minute, each hour, each day.
To your ever present guidance and love.

Especially we pray for those who are most vulnerable in our own midst and in the world:  those who are sick and handicapped;  those who suffer from mental illness, neglect, abuse, loneliness, broken relationships;  those in financial hardship and all other difficulties, losses and injustices.   May all who suffer find relief.

In this time of political and economic uncertainty, we pray for our leaders and for wise decisions.

Dear God,

Show us the persons you want us to be.

Open our hearts to your peace and love,
That your light may shine in us.
Amen.

Given by D. Welch
On Sunday, April 13

Dear Lord,
Help us to know that your strength and kindness is always there for us.
Help us to better understand how we can talk to you and feel your presence.
Help us with the knowing your unconditional love and forgiveness.

As we turn inward and listen to the silence within our hearts,
Help us understand that the depth of our self-knowledge
can be a reflection of our connection with you.
The more we focus on our inner knowing and peace,
The greater will be our sense of love and serenity.

The mirror reflects both ways.

Can the knowing of your total forgiveness,
in turn help us to forgive ourselves and others?
Can feeling your unconditional love, free us to love others unconditionally?

For in being forgiven, we can forgive.
By witnessing your love, we can love others.

May your light shine down upon us,
Filling the darkest corners of our souls
With love, compassion and forgiveness.

May we feel your presence at all times,
Knowing we need only to be aware
That you are always there
Always present
Always loving
Always forgiving

May we feel your presence at all times.
Amen

Given by S. Hessler
On Earth Day Sunday, April 20

Dear God, Mother and Father of all the universe,

We thank you for the gift for this new day.
May the sun shine upon us today and all days.
Open our hearts to feel your love today and all days.

We thank you for the gift of this sanctuary and this spiritual community.
May we find serenity here today.
Open our hearts, that we may be nourished with your peace and love.

Cleanse us from our feelings of guilt, anger, shame and emotions that wear us down.
Help us to surrender our heartaches and disappointments to you.
May we see the innocence in ourselves and in one another.
Open our hearts, and restore in us energy and vitality.

On this day, Earth Day, we thank you for  your magnificent creations:
Our selves, our surroundings, and the world and universe in which we live.
Help us to be vigilant caretakers of our precious Earth and of all your creations.

Dear God, you who are Mother and Father of all,

We thank you for the gift of this new day.
May the sun shine upon us and upon all people today and all days.
Keep us and keep all people in your loving embrace.

Amen.

Given by D. Welch
on Sunday, April 27

This prayer is based on the prayer hymn, Spirit of Life, one of my favorites.  I invite you to close your eyes if you wish and listen to the words of this hymn. Listen with both your ears and your hearts. Be aware of any images that come to you.

SPIRIT OF LIFE, COME UNTO ME
SING IN MY HEART ALL THE STIRRINGS OF COMPASSION
BLOW IN THE WIND, RISE IN THE SEA
MOVE IN THE HAND, GIVING LIFE THE SHAPE OF JUSTICE
ROOTS HOLD ME CLOSE, WINGS SET ME FREE.
SPIRIT OF LIFE, COME TO ME, COME TO ME

SPIRIT OF LIFE, COME UNTO ME
Cradle me with your embracing presence.
Comfort me during times of need.
Bless my soul forever, that I shall follow thee.

SING IN MY HEART ALL THE STIRRINGS OF COMPASSION
Let me feel your love within each part of me.
Grace me with your knowing; bless me with your spirit,
Help me reach out to others, as you minister to me.

BLOW IN THE WIND, RISE IN THE SEA
Sparkle on the water, rustle in the leaves,
Wash upon the shores and brush the tallest tree.
Wrap yourself around us, let us feel you BE.

MOVE IN THE HAND, GIVING LIFE THE SHAPE OF JUSTICE
Help us form our lives, with dignity and care,
Guide us to nurture others, as you care for each of us.
Show us your Divinity, rooted in our souls.

ROOTS HOLD ME CLOSE, WINGS SET ME FREE.
Your lessons ground our faith,
Your visions let us dream,
Never let us wander, following close to thee.

SPIRIT OF LIFE, COME TO ME, COME TO ME
Spirit of Love, wrap me in your embrace
Spirit of Compassion, never let me go
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

Amen

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