A Prayer of Praise and of Opening

Leader: God of earth and sky, of seas, forests, mountains, and meadows—

People: We give thanks for your good Creation, and we celebrate your family of life!

Leader: God of stars and planets, of bugs and birds and all creatures great and small—

People: We give thanks for your good Creation, and we celebrate your family of life!

Leader: Open us, God to the wonder of your good Creation, its beauty and grace. 

People: And even for those parts we have a hard time with, like wasps, or foxes eating baby
            rabbits, we still give thanks for cycles of life and everyone’s part in it.

All:       Open us, God, to gratitude and celebration.

Leader: Open us, also, O God, to the pain of your good Creation, to the cries of all your children.

People: Give us courage to feel the grief and outrage and to work towards justice
              and healing of all your children.

All:       Open us, God, to wonder, grief, courage, and gratitude. We give thanks, O God,
              and we celebrate with you and your whole community of life!