Prayer of the People

Lord empower us
to be your humble disciples
filled with both wisdom and justice,
affection and reason.

Out of our affection
let our senses be our guide
so that we might recognize our fear,
grieve over that which we cannot fully grasp--
the multitude of your magnificent grace.

Let us realize the hope that radiates
from the knowledge of your mercy,
brought to us through a life in Christ,
a life of love in which we confess that
You alone own our lives!
God grant us peace and tranquility,
that which comes with abstinence
from the foils of this world,
giving us the patience to endure evil
until we are joined with you fully
in your heavenly kingdom.

Creator of all that is
let our wisdom be peppered
with the spices of imagination,
that we may be able to recognize
the inevitability of future evils in this world
believing in faith
that a future of good will also abound.

God of glory,
help us be dreamers with prudence
to contemplate all that surrounds us;
fully aware of ourselves, and our neighbor.
Grant us a recognition of our weaknesses
and give us the tools necessary to fight against our vices,
dwelling in the fortitude of your love,
knowing joy in the reward that is our salvation,
through your son, Christ Jesus.