Blessed are you, O God, creator of the universe and the giver of all good gifts to your children. You are great and are to be lifted high in praise. You are a different God, high and holy; above us and above all creation.

On this beautiful, warm, and inviting summer morning, we thank you that you have not forgotten us, not abandoned us, and not rejected us, despite all that speaks against us. In your own dear Son Jesus the Christ, you have given us nothing less than yourself and all that is yours. We praise you that we are invited us guests to your table of mercy and grace as we worship you.

This morning, we bring to you all that troubles us: our mistakes and sins, our sorrows and cares, our rebellion and bitterness, and our whole heart and life better known to you than to ourselves. We commit all this into your faithful hands. We pray that you take us as we are; strengthen us when we are weak; and help us be responsible with the bounties of your blessings. O God, let your loving kindness shine upon us and all whom we love. Shine upon those who are suffering, upon those who are sick, and upon those who have experienced grief and loss.

In this year of national elections, let your justice roll down upon our nation’s government and upon the nations of power around the world. May we all learn to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. Let your peace become primary among the leaders of the world. Give us all wisdom and insight so that we become instruments of your love and peace. Give us all a clear and courageous witness so that we may stand firm in our faith and not cower in the face of adversity.

O God, on this beautiful, warm, and inviting summer morning, open our hearts and our understanding so that we can respond to your children in our city and around the world who are hungry, who are homeless, and who are lonely. Open our hearts and understanding so that we can respond to your children in our city and around the world who are up and out, who feel no need to trust your grace, and who are lost in their arrogance. Create in us a true spirit of humility and grace. Give to us, and to all who worship you this day, what we need to become all you have created us to be. We offer ourselves to you in the same spirit in which you have offered yourself to us.

We offer ourselves to you in the love of Jesus the Christ who taught his followers to pray saying, “Our Father, who art in heaven…Amen.