In the darkest valley,
at the banquet table;
in the hard work of life,
at the moments of ease;
in our day-to-day reality,
at times set aside–
like this time, now–
for worship, for listening, for paying attention;
with every step we take:
goodness and mercy follow us;
our cups overflow.

(Joanna Harader)

Read by Helen Blythe

God with joy we look around us
At your world’s diversity.
Folk of every kind surround us
And you call your church to see;
All are made in your own image!
All are people whom you love.

In the times we’ve hurt each other,
Lord, we’ve hurt the ones you bless.
Hating sister, cursing brother,
We’ve denied what you express;
All are made in your own image!
All are people whom you love!

God, you sent a Saviour to us,
Breaking walls that would divide.
By your Spirit, now work through us
As we witness side by side;
All are made in your own image!
All are people whom you love!

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Tune: REGENT SQUARE

God -
Take us to that place where wonder and miracles reside.

To the place of grace
the place of forgiveness
the place of unconditional love

To the place that exists within us all,
but we so deftly sidestep

Take us to the here and now of insight
To know closeness with you
and the distance we place between us.

Give us hearts of longing
to desire and strive for peace
In our own lives and in the world around us.

Strip away the safety nets we have built for ourselves
Give us the innocence to see the world as you see it
and the courage to work in the world
in your kingdom here and now.

Let each day be a day in your realm for us
uncovering the glory the you have already put in our lives
but we are too busy to see.
So we can share with you, all the bounty and majesty that you have provided for us.
And glory will be yours. Amen.

(Hartwell Church of Christ, Melbourne; adapted)

Read by Marion Hines