Lord, I come to you in the chill of morning longing to be warmed by your presence. I am grateful for the time set apart to be with you and know that you choose to be with me. I come empty and ask you to fill me with the peace that you so generously provide. Fill my spirit with more of you and let me feel the refreshing water of your love. There is no place that I would rather be than here with you. Here in the comfort of your embrace the emptiness leaves me as I draw closer to you.

Merciful One, I pray for those who cannot find their way to you. I pray for people whose healing will only come when they are in paradise with you. I pray for those overwrought with demands that seem impossible to fill. I pray for our world and its healing. I pray that destruction will stop, and renewal will be firmly planted has deep roots in you. I pray and I hope for the future you promise. I pray that you give me the courage to listen to you and the perseverance to follow on your path. I pray and I hope, and I trust in you. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.

-Pastor Maria