Psalm 112:4,8

They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright ….

Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid ….

Steady our spirits, Lord,

as we take our first steps

into this new season

after such a long winter

and an absent spring.

Let us rise, Lord,

in the only way we can,

with Your hands lifting us up

and setting us on the path.

Let us rise, Lord,

out of the darkness

and let us shine, Lord

as a light to the world.

Let us be filled, Lord

with a new purpose

and let that purpose

strengthen us and carry us

when the world’s suffering

is too much for us to bear.

Let us rise

and let us walk,

with fresh legs,

as keepers of Your light,

living beacons to a world

still shrouded in despair.

We will walk together

with our neighbors,

our brothers and sisters,

and when we stumble,

and when we fall,

we will pull each other up,

and we will continue

the path together.

Our light will grow and glow

with the intensity of the sun,

and the world will take notice

and put down their fears,

their anger and hatred and join

us finally on the journey home.

Amen.