Holy & Gracious God, 
 
Only through you will the world know a hope that changes everything.
We believe you honor each voice that speaks to you. 
Hear these collective prayers. 
We’ve laid everything out before you. 
It’s not pretty. 
We’re broken. 
But hopeful. 
 
Each heart cries to you in desperation, pain, brokenness, humility, gratefulness and joy. 
We long to see the body of Christ break through the apathy of a world tired of division. 
 
May millions of hearts come alive and beat wildly with excitement as your dreams are laid out in front of us. 
 
Only through you, will new faith communities flourish and come alive with passion.
 
Only through your grace and power will your Spirit move in those places.
 
Only through you, will this generation of young adults begin a genuine relationship with someone who loves you. They’ll see your light and come to know your love.
 
Only through you, will technologies and strategies continue to emerge that combat poverty.
 
Only through you, will we see the poor with your eyes instead of our judgmental ones.
 
Only through you, will our hands love all people, regardless of the things they say and do.
 
And Lord, we see flashes of hope. This keeps us going. We know this is just the beginning of your work in our lives. We love you with everything we have. 
 
Humble us. 
Guide us. 
Send us.
 
Amen. 
 
 
Jenny Smith is a Master of Divinity student at United Theological Seminary and a certified candidate in the Alaska and Pacific-Northwest Conferences. You can find her blog at www.jenniferkaysmith.com.