God all mighty,
this is my sister
carrying the world on her shoulders,
praying for a resting space, a safe & joyous place.
God all gracious,
this is my brother
standing ever in the line of fire,
praying for a loving space, a hopeful & encouraging place.
God ever faithful,
this is my friend
measuring each day with caution,
praying for their family space, a creative & uninhibited place.
God ever good,
this is me
hovering between energy and exhaustion,
praying for bold space, a laughing & community-building place.
Together, we plead and pray
that hope will not disappoint,
that the impossible will indeed find a way,
that mercy will become a harvest of peace,
that such a day will come
when a person will not need to shake dust from their feet
against the city of their sister, their friend, their family.
Until that day, guide us as wise serpents and gentle doves.
God all mighty,
this is my sister: do not forget her prayers.
God all gracious,
this is my brother: do not tune out his cries.
God ever faithful,
this is my friend: answer their sorrow.
God ever good,
this is me: make your face shine again.
Trusting in your steadfast love,
leaning on your faithfulness across generations,
singing the songs of our thanksgiving
while we await your promises;
We say together Amen, amen, and amen.