February 22: Held in Tenderness Prayer

O God of sun and moon and snow and stars,

God of rainy nights and greening muddy days,

God of wind so strong it sends trash cans rolling,

God of rivers, filling, rushing, roaring, overflowing,

O God, hear our prayer of fear and thanksgiving.

We fear for the lives of those who are vulnerable

even as we ground ourselves in your majesty.

We fear for the future of our country in disarray

even as we find awe in every single day we are alive.

We fear for the death of compassion amid terror

even as we discover beauty in every step we take.

O God of mercy, God of love, let your blessings flow,

let your blessings bring life all who are bereft,

all who yearn for comfort, all who are barely hanging on.

May all know what it is to be held in tenderness,

in unending cycles of life, now and always, Amen!

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