Sunday, July 23, 2o23

Who are we, that we should ask anything of you? You know our hearts’ desires. You are ready and willing to give to us freely, even before we know what we want or need. But you invite us to join in your mystery in this sacred prayer space, and to give voice to our desires.

We pause under the Faith-marker of Fig Tree’s blossoms. Search us, and know our hearts. Test us, and know our thoughts. We struggle to remain faithful to you. We struggle to remain free from judging ourselves and others. In your sacred prayer space, you calm and reassure us. You remind us to focus on you alone. You invite us into your mystery, where you completely surround us.

Encourage us through the words and actions of others. May they see your achievements in our lives and praise you for your goodness. Let the words of others show us how your blessings in our lives are also blessing others and you. We will sing of your love and blessings forever.

Our God, who hears us, thank you for answering our prayers. Your forgiveness covers us and brings us into a relationship with you. We, your blessed children, are filled with joy and wonder as we see and experience your goodness all around us. Thank you for bringing us close to you.

Do not forsake us, LORD. You have always been with us, in times of trial and in times of peace. Tried as we are, today we believe. Speak, so we can hear you; remain in your hope and help; and sojourn in a good way.

We gather at your Beautiful Gate, a faith-marker, to remember your merciful ways throughout the generations. We enter your sacred prayer space to seek your guidance. We long to be among your chosen people, those you have gathered and will continue to gather to your Holy Mountain.