Today, Lord, fill our hearts and the world –
with compassion for our neighbors
hope for the despairing
healing for the sick
justice for the oppressed
calm for the anxious
peace for the restless.
Open our hearts to listen
for your song of hope
keep our attention fixed on you, Lord.
Wherever we go this day
may we go with peace.
Whoever we encounter
may we greet them in peace.
In all that we do and say
may all our actions point to the One who brings hope and healing for the world.
Keep us fixed on Jesus who embodied love and a servant heart.
When we go to sleep this night
may we remember
that in our waking and sleeping
in rising again to a new day
you are God –
the God who calls us your beloved children
a God of justice and peace
a God of healing and wholeness
a God who brings hope
and delivers mercy
a God ushering in a kingdom
where love reigns
forever and always.
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.