Dearest  Creator 

               We come together today without  benefit of walls or common creeds or even the knowledge of who we are in our individuality . . . yet, Lord, we do, indeed, come to You and to one another together in a genuine sense of community and sharing and love.   A community born of spiritual curiosity, open hearts and minds, independence and choice, and a desire to better know and serve You in ways unique to each of us.  

           Strengthen us in our constant and imperfect efforts to follow that challenging path—a path that is bordered not by judgmental, rule-bound, fear-based, exclusionist prohibitions, but by signposts to service and compassion and commitment.     Keep uppermost in our thoughts His commandments to first love You and then, in turn, one another.   Nothing more is needed; nothing less will do.

           We also thank you for this gathering of “kindred spirits”—in a very literal sense. For that is the part of each one of us present here in this unique gathering. May the prayers we offer up today strengthen each of us individually in our daily lives as well as strengthen us as a powerful fellowship of worshippers whose prayers and good works have the potential to touch any number of lives.                                                                        

          Help us in our understanding, guide us in our search for truth, support us in our dealings with a world that has little time or tolerance for looking beyond the moment or serving a need other than one’s own. Let our lives exemplify another way of being. Bless us and those we love, everywhere and at all times, with all good things. Touch our hearts, kindle our spirits, enlighten our minds, strengthen our resolve, and fill our very beings with Your peace and Your love—                                                                                    

  All this we ask and affirm in Your name, with faith and thanksgiving,   Amen