God of the seasons, it’s hot. Temperatures, and tempers, are rising. Too often, we are confronted with the pit bulls of society. Send us out into the world, Lord, with a blessing that reminds us of the waters of our baptism. Show us a different way; a cup of water to refresh, replenish, revive and reframe hot anger into cool calm. Remind us that your son, Jesus the Christ, is the sustenance that we need. In these Dog Days of Summer, help us to honor our calling to be watchdogs of truth, yet also humble and faithful dogs eating crumbs from the Master’s table, as noted by the Canaanite woman at the well. Give us the best attributes of dogs: more loving, more loyal, more obedient to your Word. Let our pride, unkindness, self-indulgence and self-importance melt with the summer sun. Make us light for the world. And grant us your peace. Amen