Abba Godde,* we come to You with heavy hearts, but trusting in You.
In Ruah, your Holy Spirit, In Sophia, your divine wisdom
In love, your universal language.
Help us love unconditionally — each other in our times of need,
And those we consider our enemies.
Help us see each other as You do,
You long to reconcile us.
Breathe into us new life
Lift us out of the depths of mourning
Calm the tumultuous sea of our thoughts and feelings
Quench our aching thirst and ravenous hunger for justice
Nourish us with your life-giving spirit
Intensify our passion to take steps toward Your reign.
Empower us to be like seeds that fall on good soil,
Developing deep roots, Growing in faith, Reaping a full harvest of
Your creation who live as one through Baptism in Christ
Learning from Mary Magdalene,
Who remained with Jesus as a leader in his ministry, at his crucifixion,
And at his tomb — Weeping, yet remaining.
Remaining long enough to see Jesus — RESURRECTED!
Help us remain, and be with us as we remain, In our weeping, In our despair, In our anger
That we may see the Risen Christ: The Resurrected Church!
Your church where all are welcome at the table and the altar,
More than welcome, Sought after, nourished and encouraged.
Help us step back and take a long view
Of your creation, and of You.
Blessed be. Amen.

Aisha S. Taylor, written during the papal transition of April 2005