Opening Prayer
Till the soil of our hearts again, Eternal Gardener. We are such a mixture of hardened paths, cynical expectations, superficial enthusiasm, and soft, fertile soil. Yet You faithfully plant Your seed, for You forever call us back to life, that Your reign might blossom. We get so easily distracted by our needs, emptiness, disappointments and old behaviors. Till us again, Faithful Farmer, and plant Your seed to mysteriously and faithfully grow in us until we blossom as the garden of Your delight, fruitful in justice, weeded of iniquity, and flowering as the Jerusalem of Your dwelling. Let our growth be a tribute to Your life-giving power!
Lord God, You gifted Mary with wonderful parents who taught her to be sensitive to the faithful dreams of God and to sacrifice to God’s invitation. As grandparents of Jesus, they handed onto Him the wisdom and wealth of life’s experience. Our parents taught us to believe and trust and love. We reverence them as gifts from You – as people who loved us the best they knew how. Our grandparents handed on to us wisdom and the wealth of heritage. From these people You graced us with, we learned how to see and believe and hear the voice, presence and power of Your love. Give us grateful hearts and warm memories of our parents and grandparents, who reflect Your ancient and faithful love for each and all of us.
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