Loving God, place us today alongside the poor in spirit,

those who know their frailty and brokenness

before you, for in them we glimpse heaven’s ways…

Place us alongside those who mourn,

that we might catch the comfort you pour out

and find ourselves called into being comfort-bringers…

Place us alongside the meek, for surely the world belongs

to those not hungry for power and privilege …

Then stir in us a hunger and thirst for righteousness

that will not stay silent while others face discrimination and persecution,

violence, famine and war…

Stir in us a desire for mercy, that the world might be mercy-full…

Then help us to long for pure hearts, open and willing to be changed,

that we might see you and walk in your ways…

Grant us the strength to work for peace,

not just for ourselves but for all,

Grant us strength when we are spoken against and ridiculed,

vilified and persecuted for love’s sake

and more than ever help us to know,

in the face of all the evil that surrounds us

that love will win,

and love is our reward…