God, our Father,
we praise you for your love in Jesus,
call us to freedom,
confronting our idols,
overturning our stereotypes,
teaching us compassion.
Be with us as we strive to see your face in all people,
your dwelling place among the weak and vulnerable of this world.
Keep our lips from speaking falsehood and our ears from hearing lies.
Speak to us in the poor and defenseless, the addicted and abused.
May our hearts and our communities become places of welcome
and safety for the forgotten and afraid.
Come, give us the wisdom of Jesus;
send us as heralds of hope.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Excerpted from Lenten Longings - Year B: For the Life of the World, available from RENEW International