Thank you for the miracle of our bodies;
for breath that fills us,
blood that circulates,
synapses that spark,
microscopic particles exchanging in good order,
everything working together in harmony.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made.
As creatures, we are vulnerable,
we have weaknesses and sicknesses.
Creator God, we need your healing presence:
when we have symptoms that are unexplained
and we wonder, “What does this mean?”:
bring healing, bring peace.
When we live with chronic pain
and we cry, “How will I get through this day?”:
bring healing, bring peace.
When the road to healing is so long,
and we are doubtful, saying, “I don’t think I can do this”:
bring healing, bring peace.
When we look for answers,
and we ask, “Why is this happening to me?”
Bring healing, bring peace.
We pray for your body, the Church,
that our congregation could be salt and light
in our community and in our world.
Grant us today;
your courage to fill us,
your power circulating in us,
your hope sparking in us,
your community communing in good order.
And when we argue,
and we do argue,
show us how to do this well,
to be passionate, yet loving,
committed, yet humble enough to change our minds.
Help us to model our life together
on Jesus Christ, who showed us
how everything is knit together for good.
It is in his name we pray, 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.