New life pushes up through the muck and mud of winter. Trees and flowers unfurl their colors, and their glory is made even more delicious having been absent for months. Once again, we remember that life cycles and life goes on … mostly. There is also the sharpness this spring of genocides, mass displacements and captivity. This spring we are bone weary and heart heavy grieving too many lives lost and a planet quaking from human carelessness. We long for resurrection in a Good Friday world, and we hold onto visions of life pushing up through the muck and mud of human discord.

Spirit of Love, help us to live like Christ. Remind us that God is still sovereign and not afraid of what is going on in our world. Remind us that God can bring life in an instant, turn us around and change everything right now. Remove all our fear and cowardice. Plant deep inside us a robust faith that you are still in control. Spirit of Life, may our lives reflect the faith that we profess and show others the way to your good news. May all people and creatures feel your lavish love upon their lives. May all people and creatures know your goodness and desire to overwhelm us with your love. Allow all people to curl up inside your truth and live. In the name of the risen Christ, we pray. Amen.