Gracious God, Lord and Companion, we are thankful that you commune with us through loving kindness, with patience for the anxious, justice for the lowly, compassion for the suffering, and forgiveness for us all. Turn our hearts, O God, to fall in love with You. May our hearts break with what breaks yours. Hold us close when we falter, and make the path straight when we want to run. Give us the courage to open our arms to the healing of salvation, and inspire us, in our newfound wholeness, to serve friend and enemy with glad and generous hearts.
Holy Father, Father of Christ who looked upon Zacchaeus with a command for breaking bread instead of brimstone, inspire us to be people of great justice with even greater mercy. As we break bread together this morning let us proclaim that because of Christ, salvation has come to this house today. Send us out into the world to proclaim that salvation has come to this office, that salvation has come to this school, that salvation has come to this neighborhood and streetcorner and stadium and deer stand. May our joy for the Lord be as obvious as the clothing we wear so that tax collectors will know we are people of grace, and the proud and self righteous will tremble when we serve.
Sovereign Lord, God of all by the power of the Holy Spirit, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Love, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Image: Ira Thomas, catholicworldart.com
I just found your books in a Christian bookstore in the Omaha area while out visiting my youngest where she is stationed. I’m reading the Nutcracker one now as part of my Advent preparation. I have already ordered the Doctor Who one because…”Allonsyyyy” and “Bow ties are cool.” 😉 I have been so inspired and found your Nutcracker book to be very enlightening as I study for my faith journey. I recently became a Lay Servant in the UMC and our church is currently in the Discernment process so your book has helped keep me grounded in the “in-between”. I thank you for writing it.
Zacchaeus was always my favorite and I love the prayer above. Wonderful.