Prayer for Joyful in Hope

O, Lord Our God, You, who are the source
of our joy, of our hope

You call us to share these and our other gifts
all bestowed from You

Help us, especially in times of difficulty,
to recognize Your gifts at work
to recognize in ourselves the power to uplift

We humbly ask You, O Lord,
to bring us into closer communion with You
to nurture the hope You have given

So that we may extend it to our neighbors in need
and reflect its light into worlds darkened by despair  

So that we may come to realize
the blessed joy of following You in mission

Amen