O great and glorious God, unto whom all hearts are open and all desires known, we come before you today with singing and thanksgiving for the gift of life and faith.  Only in you, O God, is there meaning for our suffering and hope for our sacrifice.  Speak to our hearts as we wait before you, and let your Holy Spirit renew us in our inward parts, that we may live your love and peace at all times and places. We pray in and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.