O God, it is often difficult to embrace your love when we face moments of trial. Fill us with your grace so that we desire to grow more deeply in you. We pray that you transform our hearts so that we can trust you and do good no matter what the circumstances. In times of trouble, remind us that you are near. Remind us that you hear the cries of our hearts and the shouts of our oppression. Remind us that you are a God of mercy as well as a God of justice. Strengthen us, as your church, to be a refuge for the people no one else wants, for the poor, and for those you have no idea that they are loved by you. Empower us to look beyond ourselves so that we can join you in your work of delivering all creation. We offer ourselves in Jesus’s name. Amen