Jesus,
Merciful and kind.
We need you today.
We are weary and worn.
How do we continue on?
Right now, the loudest voices
are full of ire and contempt.
Their words reverberate through
sound waves, causing shock and outrage.
And yet, we know that this
anger is not the end of the story.
Glimmers of hope linger
around every corner.
Your light shines more
brightly than all of this darkness.
Your voice calls to us,
and reminds us not to despair.
You are with us -
in our grief,
in our sorrow,
in our lament.
We are never alone.
Help us to slow down,
lean in, and listen to your voice.
Your voice is steady, hopeful,
merciful, and kind.
May your voice reverberate
through every being,
reorienting us to love
our most vulnerable neighbor.
May your voice beat
like a steady drum,
leading us home
again and again and again.
Amen
~ Melissa