Loving God,

As we enter this Lenten time of waiting, we do so in anticipation of celebrating, once again, the glorious victory of Your Son, Jesus, as He conquered death and rose from the tomb on that first Easter morning.

In our waiting, we pray, draw closer to us so that we may feel Your love enabling us, in turn, to show Your love to all we meet. May we look on others with eyes that see the image of You in which they were created, appreciating the beauty of difference adorning, not distracting from, the much greater similarities within all humankind. In this world of deep divisions, use us to bridge gaps, drawing people together in Your Name.

Amen