I. Let us pray*: God of All who claim you as their own, you have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections. And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us, as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing.
You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body. May we, as your servants, realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human caring into a healing balm for the aching soul.
Like ourselves, many are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose, for meaning in our lives.
May we ever come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we. And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created: to serve you by realizing your work of compassion in our midst.
II. Let us pray for those who weep and for those who cause their weeping.
Hear our prayer.
For those who are without food, clothes, and a place of shelter:
Hear our prayer.
For those who live without hope and meaning:
Hear our prayer.
For those who are fooling themselves:
Hear our prayer.
For those who live with wars and rumors of wars:
Hear our prayer.
For those who distort the good news of the gospel:
Hear our prayer.
For those who make gods of things and themselves:
Hear our prayer.