Loving Lord, our God and friend,

we dwell securely, enfolded deep within the fabric of your love,

and in the community of lovers who share your name and know your voice.

Though we fail so often, we yet seek to be that community of love,

hinted at whenever we come by faith into your holy presence.

We come not in haughty or vain spirits but in humility

for we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

You chose to give us birth through the word of truth

that we might be a kind of first fruits of all you’ve created.

And so, dear Lord, we bring nothing to you other than our smallness

into the enveloping presence of your powerful grace which changes our lives, making us new;

refreshing us with light and love, forgiveness and wholeness.

We are children, safe in the arms of the God who is to us both Father and Mother,

friend, confidante, grace-giver, sustainer and Saviour.

Walk with us this evening, oh God, as we seek to find you here among us.

Help us to hear your voice speaking, reminding us that, in you, there is a place to call home.

Through Christ Jesus, lover of our soul.

Amen.

Robert Rife, 2002