Prayer of Sorrow

Holy God, whose ways are not our ways and whose thoughts are not our thoughts, grant that your holy Spirit may intercede for us with sighs too deep for human words.

Loving God, in our sorrow, hold us gently in your arms.

On this day, we would look to you for guidance in the manner in which we relate to one another.

Help us to give as we would receive,
To hear as we would choose to be heard,
To speak as we would choose to be spoken to,
And to forgive as we would choose to be forgiven.

Bring forth from the very depths of our hearts a willingness to be patient. Help us perceive time as a healing balm that soothes the deepest wounds, while conquering the greatest anxiety.

Through the veil of our tears and the silence of our emptiness, assure us again that ear has not heard, nor eye seen, nor human imagination envisioned, that you have prepared for those who love you. As we celebrate life, we ask for your presence to comfort our grieving spirits.

And when we are again able, direct us in an ongoing effort to be your hands in the world desperately in need of tender touching.

Amen.