God of Abundance,

At the beginning of Creation, You calmed the chaos of the world. Be present now to those whose lives are suddenly filled with chaos. Grant them the grace of calm in the midst of confusion.

God of hope, hear us.

You have always shown us the way from darkness into the light. For those struggling to see Your light, we ask that You shine it a bit brighter in our world. Grant us the grace to look beyond the horizon.

God of hope, hear us.

Throughout history You have raised up leaders to care for your people. May those who have been called by You to lead in times of despair be given Your grace to do so with conviction and compassion.

God of hope, hear us.

You are a God of abundance. Open our eyes so that we may see how our ministries can use the abundance with which we have been blessed to help those in need. Grant us the grace to move with humility and prudence in all that we do.

God of hope, hear us.

You are also a God of wonders. We struggle to imagine the breadth and depth of what is possible with You at our side. Grant us all – those directly affected and those holding them in prayer – the grace of creativity in our response to the ways of the world.

God of hope, hear us.

The Psalmist sings, "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Let it also be our song this day. May we, and those we pray for, truly hope in the Lord. And may that hope give us all the strength and heart we need to move from darkness into light.

God of hope, hear us.

Amen.