This afternoon I wrote to two friends for whom this calendar date is a special and difficult one. While writing, I thought of so many others I know whose hearts are heavy if not because of this particular date, then for what’s happening right now in their lives. So I’ve rewritten my note to my friends as a Night Prayer for any and all whose hearts may be troubled today…
Spirit open my heart
To the joy and pain of living
As you love may I love
In receiving and in giving
Spirit, open my heart
1 God, replace my stony heart
with a heart that’s kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear
to your grace I now surrender.
2 Write your love upon my heart
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed,
may my living bring you glory.
Interlude
3 May I weep with those who weep,
share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ,
may we welcome one another.
