Opening Prayer     
                
By Rev. Loren McGrail, UCC Chaplain, Minneapolis, MN 
Used during worship at Lyndale United Church of Christ, Minneapolis, MN
February 22, 2009
(Adapted from a prayer by Jews United for Social Justice)

Source of Life who is known by many names;
Over-turner and illuminator of hearts;
    we gather with gratitude for the earth and all who journey in it.
    We give thanks for the interconnectedness of all creation.
Source of justice who is known by many names;
    let us not swerve from the path of righteousness
    that leads to just and equitable relationships.
Open our eyes that we may see the immigrant and undocumented;
    whose labor enables and sustains our living;
    the farm worker, the hotel worker, the line cook,
    the childcare provider, the healthcare worker;
Give us the will to leave behind the safety of our sanctuaries
    to become your living sanctuary;
    and claim our place in the movement to transform creation; that our voice, our heart, our spirit will
    join the voice, hear and spirit of all who
    demand to live with respect, justice, and peace.