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God, in your creative power, you have made it so that none of us are the same. Even those of us with similar backgrounds have varied gifts. Even those with similar gifts have a rainbow of life experiences. Help us resist the pressure toward sameness that flattens the power of the variety of your creation. Give us eyes to see how inside and outside of the church, your provision for mercy and justice comes through each person as a valued participant in the community.
We confess that we are not always able to value each voice. We are not always able to value each gift. Holy Parent of us all, fill our hearts with a deep gratitude for the gifts you have given us and a powerful respect for the gifts you have given to others. Help us to spread an abiding awareness of what it means to be part of the holy connection and communion of the body of Christ, working together to love you, God and our neighbors. Amen.
This message is excerpted from “Epiphany prayer” by Julia Seymour in the January/February 2025 Gather magazine.