To care deeply

 

1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 

We pray for those who suffer 

all manner of mistreatment, 

especially the mistreatment 

of systemic prejudice that keeps 

refugees at bay, disenfranchises

Indigenous peoples, women, children,

dehumanises those of different colours,

faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities. 

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 

We pray for the oppressed,

the poor, homeless, unemployed,

kept out of job and education

opportunities by systems stacked

in favour of the already favoured. 

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 

We pray for those who care,

who tend to the sick and dying,

in hospitals, aged care residences,

homes and hospices; for nurses

and doctors, administrators, social

workers, psychiatrists, psychologists,

counsellors, healers in many

traditions and practices. 

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 

We pray for those who lead 

our country, territory/state/county, church

in its various councils, lead our clubs 

and choirs and committees:

for their wisdom, patience, 

and courage.

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 

We pray for ourselves 

and those closest to us, in the silent

sighs of our hearts ...

pause 

One: May we care so deeply 
All: that we will share our very selves 
Amen.