Prayer:            Ian

The invitation is for us to join in prayer.

 Gracious, compassionate and loving God, as we join our spirits together in this our time of worship today,

may we sense the sacred where we are, knowing that you are with us.

 We pray that we may be awakened once more to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient is,

the beauty that informs us, the fellowship that sustains us, and the creativity that heightens and deepens our living, that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the larger life stretching ahead of us on our journeys of life.

 God of surprises, startle us with truth we do not see, amaze us with the power of your grace, beckon us,

and lead us beyond restricted hope and narrow faith. May we know, this day, the human touch that can light a flame giving us brightness to our day, and the recognition that your spirit uses our mortal life as a vehicle for work and play. A friend’s warm look, hands raised in welcome acknowledgement, a phone call, email or text message bring treasured moments we can share.

 We pray that all who come within our physical or electronic reach may be kindled by our inner glow,

not just in the words we say or write. We pray for the human touch to demonstrate our love. May our lights so shine that we do bring a sense of hope and purpose to our world. May the grace of God be with us all as we kindle a flame of sacred love in our hearts that allows our light to shine for all to see.

Amen