God of mercy, Father of all,
you welcome the downtrodden
and are a voice for the voiceless.
You feed the poor
and offer forgiveness to sinners.
And, above all, you sent your Son
for the salvation of the world.
Reveal to me my unrepentant, stony heart
and replace it
with a heart full of love and compassion.
Place your Spirit within me,
so that I might walk in your footsteps
and speak your word to a waiting world.
Enfold me in your protective arms
and help me grow in the intimacy
you long to share with me.
I ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Adapted from The People's Prayer Book, © RENEW International.