Holy One,
You are a God of Might and Majesty, Tenderness and Vulnerability. You are the one who casts stars into the heavens and who brings forth the first green shoots from the fertile ground.
All of Creation cannot hold your glory; and yet you cradle us in gentle wings of mercy. All this is too wonderful to understand, too marvelous to quantify.
Cradle the prayers we offer up, for ourselves and for the world.
Cradle your children in Europe, who are caught in the snows without shelter or heat. Equip governments to be responsive and citizens to be patient and compassionate.
Cradle the families of those who have died in the Turkish forces in northern Syria, as well as those who have died around Damascus. Break the stranglehold that violence has upon the region. Shatter the shackles of terror that imprison the hearts of those officials who wield weapons against citizens.
Cradle the students and families of Stoneman Douglas High School (Florida, United States) as they return to classes this week. Guide teachers, parents, and administrators to care for these young people. Give political leaders the power and courage to stand up for these students, even if it means standing against special interests and money.
Cradle the citizens involved in tenuous political processes in places like Venezuela, where the presidential election has been postponed, and China, where presidential term limits were abolished. Give those who dissent protection and perseverance to work for their sense of justice. Give those in power the wisdom and imagination to listen to the voice of citizens.
Cradle the citizens of Ethiopia, which has just declared a state of emergency. When no leaders or answers emerge, reveal what new plan, what next step you have for those with power and commitment to the welfare of the country.
All of these prayers we offer up because you want to hear them. All of these words we offer up, because you invite us to share the deepest joys and concerns of our hearts. All of ourselves we offer up, because you are the Lord Almighty, who treasures the smallest sparrow and lily.
We give thanks to you.
Amen.
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