In this prayer, I invite you to close your eyes (if you are comfortable doing that), and picture things during some short times of silence. Rather than forming sentences in your mind, just create a picture. These pictures will be our prayer.
Picture in your mind how someone was kind to you this week. Thank God for that person. [10 seconds of silence]
Picture in your mind someone in the congregation who is grieving or sick, and picture how the kindness of the community is helping them through this time. Thank God for kindness. [12 seconds of silence]
Picture in your mind an opportunity you had to be kind, but you didn’t take it. Ask God for forgiveness. [15 seconds of silence]
Picture in your mind someone in your life who you dislike, who is not kind. You are standing next to them. Imagine it isn’t just the two of you standing there. There’s a third person, it’s Jesus. Picture yourself doing something kind for this person, as Jesus watches. [20 seconds of silence]
Picture in your mind a conflict you know of that involves many people; a family, neighbours on a street, a team at work. Imagine Jesus as one of the group. Look to Jesus for how kindness might make a difference in this situation. [25 seconds of silence]
Spirit of infinite kindness,
your love reaches out across every divide.
It fills every need,
it heals every wound
it satisfies every hunger.
We want your love to flow through us.
We are citizens of your kingdom of kindness. Amen.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.