Life is no picnic. You fall, you rise. You make mistakes, you learn. You're human. May you be blessed to appreciate the life you have been given. Flaws and all. It is a precious privilege to be alive. You never know what delightful surprise is waiting for you at the next corner.

In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts,

let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us

is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing.

You who created us, 

who sustain us,

who call us to live in peace,

hear our prayer this day.

Hear our prayer for all who have died,

whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone.

Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others

ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous as theirs.

Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives in the service of others,

and accept the gift of their sacrifice.

Help us to shape and make a world where we will lay down the arms of war

and turn our swords into plowshares for a harvest of justice and peace.

Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones 

and let your healing be the hope in our hearts.

Hear our prayer this day

and in your mercy answer us in the name of all that is holy.

The peace of God be with you.