Blessed are you, O God, creator of the universe and giver of all good gifts to your children.

Today, we pray, that we may have the mind of Christ; that we might know you the way Jesus knows you, to know your heart of love, to know your transforming presence, to know your self-giving compassion, and to live in your unconditional acceptance.

Today, we pray, that we will see the world as Christ sees the world; that we might give ourselves to the people in need of healing, of care, and of compassion; that we might give up our places so others might have a place, and that by interacting with people who are different in their living, in their economic and social positions, our lives will be shaped into the lives God created us to live and to share.

Today, we pray that we may share in Christ’ vision of the kingdom: that our lives will be reordered by grace and that our priorities and desires will become the priorities and desires of your great kingdom here on earth as it is heaven.

O God, give us what we need to bring here on earth what you have in heaven. We confess that we have begun to experience and to understand that creating a world of love and justice is not easy. We are finding it to be a long, hard, and suffering business. We have heard that you have suffered over this world for centuries. So we pray for the courage and the faith to join you, and not counting the cost, become partners with you in your work of salvation.

Today, we pray that we may be united in Christ, so we can and will reveal to the world around us the dream and vision of you have for your creation, and that we all may be one, sharing life and love and possessions, until we are caught up in the joys of your kingdom.

O to be like you, O to be like you, blessed Redeemer, pure as you are. Come in your sweetness, come in your fullness, stamp your own image deep on our hearts.

We offer ourselves to you in the name of Jesus Christ who taught all of us to pray saying….Our Father…