Henri Nouwen Lord Jesus, make us attentive to one another. Teach us to listen with patience, to speak with honesty, and to act with love.

Keep us from turning inward when the world feels frightening. Give us the courage to remain present to our neighbors in their pain, trusting that you are present with us all.

Walter Brueggemann We are your people in pain, O God, learning again what it means to live by mercy and not by fear.

Give us courage to stay present when withdrawal would be easier, and faith to believe that love is stronger than the powers that wound.

Stay near to those who suffer, and make us neighbors who do not turn away. Amen.