This is what we desire:

Your love breaking down barricades of hatred.

Your peace melting permafrosted hearts.

Your joy cascading over bleak resignation.

Your patience bending the world slowly.

Your gentleness permeating even the most impermeable.

Your goodness towering above all evils.

Your kindness embracing our fear.

Your faith moving mountains.

Your spirit, God, is all we desire. 

Be with us in this hour of worship. Amen.

We are waiting for your presence, God–

patient, like a lover sitting by the telephone

waiting for the voice of their beloved;

attentive as a farmer watching clouds for rain

waiting for the parched soil’s relief;

intent as a child standing by the road

waiting for the parade to appear;

empty as a satellite dish scanning the heavens

waiting for a message from the stars;

poised as the still arms of a windmill

waiting for the wind’s inspiration;

open as the wide sand beach

waiting for the tide’s embrace.

Come, Lord Jesus.