Sunday Prayer

God, your people will gather in this morning for worship. Sanctuaries large and small will come to life with sounds of greeting and the energy of children. This is truly the church -- the people and the vibrant sounds of life that pour into our sacred spaces.

Wondrous One, they call this "low Sunday." Many churches can expect lower attendance because of extra services last weekend, so perhaps that is what makes it "low" -- or perhaps it better describes the energy level of the clergy after a busy Lenten season. I don't know God, I only know that I'm here and ready to praise you, even if I'm a bit depleted.

Worship will happen in many ways. Worship will happen in the greetings and in the singing, in the sharing of the Word and in the praying, and in the silence. Worship will happen over cups of tea and in the kitchen afterward. And by your grace, O God, worship will happen through the week, when hearts touched by the Spirit will dance for joy at your goodness.

Bless us this morning God, as we come together in your presence. Help us all to hear the words of Jesus to us, saying "Peace be with you." We pray, encourage us through the coming week to remain in that Peace as we take it with us into a world that is crying out for your peace, your justice and your indescribable love. Amen.