Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Lord, let me stand

with my neighbor in joy.

Let me stand with them

in revelation, in certitude,

in those times when life explodes

in confetti and streamers,

and all is right,

and all is right.

Let me share in a belly

laugh of innocence.

Let me feel the Holy Strength

of laughter in those whose souls

wander, unfettered and free.

Let me rejoice with those

who rejoice.

Let me share with them

the tears of victory.

Lord, may I stand

with my neighbor

in all things,

not just in joy,

but in mourning and loss.

And so, let me weep, Lord,

with those who weep.

Let me lean into that pain

and lift it for them,

just a little bit—

so that they

have room

to breathe.

Lord, may no one on this earth

ever weep alone.

And in times of joy

and in times of pain,

Lord, let my eyes be forever

filled with tears.

Amen.