Taking Part

to follow the reading of Ruth 3–4 

We thank you for Ruth,

her love, her loyalty,

her obedience, her trust; 

and we wonder, was 

it blind, or open-eyed? 

and we pray for all the Ruths,

loving, loyal, obedient

and trusting: may their eyes

see clearly, may they 

always understand. 

We thank you for Naomi,

her care, her protection,

her creative manoeuvre for safety: 

and we wonder, was she there

if reward did not follow the dare? 

and we pray for all Naomis,

on unprotected journeys home,

holding only risky cards to play: 

may our motives, however jumbled,

include each other in our care. 

We thank you for the Story,

for your part, between the lines;

for the Story of your people,

their welcome of the 'other' 

and the part they play – up-front. 

and we pray for our hearing

of your Story, and our part

as people of your Story, open 

to each other and the parts

we all will play. 

Amen.