May Day Congregational Prayer

On this May morning
as the very ground around us 
is resurrected from winter’s death,
we are filled with thankfulness.
New colours blaze around us:
crowds of golden daffodils,
flotillas of white blossoming trees
and every possible shade of green.
We walk through it all,
giddy with sunshine,
greeting our neighbours with smiles
that say without words,
“To be alive on such a day!”
You give us this life.
Thank you for long-time friends, 
companions through the cycle of seasons.
Thank you for babies,
who gift us with new ways of seeing.
Even as our community increases,
we say goodbye to those who die.
Comfort all here who carry 
heavy burdens of grief
or who are sorrowed by sickness,
especially [prayers for your community].
We remember Ukraine, Palestine and Ethiopia,
and their ongoing conflicts.
Increase our capacity for astonishment
at the existence of roads 
in mapless areas of conflict.
Surprise us with the power of love
for our enemies.
Forgive us for doubting 
that you can bring hope
when we are past hoping
Spring comes even to frozen hearts.
We are your people, together,
in this good world. It is so.
Amen.