Abba Godde,* we come to You with heavy hearts

But trusting in You.

In Ruah, your Holy Spirit

In Sophia, your divine wisdom

In love, your universal language.

Help us love unconditionally,

Each other in our times of need

And those we consider our enemies.

Help us see each other as You do,

You long to reconcile us.

Breathe into us new life

Lift us out of the depths of mourning

Calm the tumultuous sea of our thoughts and feelings

Quench our aching thirst and ravenous hunger for justice

Nourish us with your life-giving spirit

Intensify our passion to take steps toward Your reign.

Empower us to be like seeds that fall on good soil,

Developing deep roots

Growing in faith

Reaping a full harvest of Your creation who live as one through Baptism in Christ Learning from Mary Magdalene,

Who remained with Jesus as a leader in his ministry, at his crucifixion,

And at his tomb

Weeping, yet remaining.

Remaining long enough to see Jesus — RESURRECTED!

Help us remain, be with us as we remain,

In our weeping

In our despair

In our anger

That we may see the Risen Christ

The Resurrected Church!

Your church where all are welcome at the table and the altar,

More than welcome,

Sought after, nourished and encouraged.

Help us step back and take a long view

Of your creation, and of You.

Blessed be. Amen.

* Feminist spelling

Offered by the Women’s Ordination Conference