Leader.         O God,  You created us and gave us life, but for what purpose?
We live and work, but  to what end?  Like children bringing their broken toys,
we lay here before You our lives in need of mending.

People.        Our daily defeats and discouragements.
Our empty strivings and futile successes.
Our weariness of grief and anxiety.

Silence

Leader.         O God, who  sent Jesus to  live among us to tell us of your love,
to  show us the way of love, we bring  You our broken loves.

People.        The darkness that separates soul from soul.
The loneliness that we hide under cheerful words and smiles.
The hurts we find too hard to forgive.

Silence

Leader.         O Spirit of Comfort and Wisdom, we bring You the unspoken
yearnings of our souls.

People.        The longing for a closer relationship  with  You.
The quest for a purpose in our life on earth.
For understanding that turns knowledge into wisdom.

Silence

All.       God, have mercy.  Christ,  have mercy.  Spirit, have mercy.