Gracious God,
You are the gentle presence,
the peaceful light,
that fills our whole world.
We believe that you care
for all your creatures
with wisdom and love.
Take care of us, your Church, this day.
Give to us all grace and courage
to live out our baptism
as faithful disciples
of your son, Jesus Christ.
Give us good pastors who
will call us to love and forgiveness
and lead us in worship
in the community of the Spirit.
Bring forth from among us other ministers
whose many-splendored gifts
will strengthen our community.
Raise up people in religious life
who by their unusual witness to the Gospel
will call us to the love of God and neighbor.
You have enfolded the smallness of our
humanity in your divinity.
Fill us all with your Holy Spirit.
Amen.