God of our Understanding

God of our understanding
Be with us today, surrounding us, filling us,
warming our bodies, brightening our thoughts, lifting our spirits.
Where we are hurting, bring a balm of healing
Where we are fearful, bring a touch of courage
Where we are confused, bring a word of wisdom
Where our lives are chaotic, bring calm peace

We give thanks for the food on our tables
And we pray for those who will not have enough food this week
We give thanks for heated rooms and roofs over our heads
And we pray for those who will sleep outside this week.
We give thanks for friends and families every where gathering together
And we pray for those families separated by necessity or painful choice
We give thanks for all those who work to keep us safe and secure
And we pray for the end of war and all the damage that war does to ourselves and our world.

May our leaders be wise to guide us
May we be strong to do the work required.
May we know the peace of a presence larger than ourselves lifting us when we are down, celebrating our success, and being the constant witness and companion of our lives.

In all the names we give you, in all the ways we know you, and with humble bowing to the mystery that we cannot truly name or know, we reach out in trust and love, and we live in peace and joy.