God of sorrow and joy,
we bring before you the ache of our world and the wounds of our own communities.
Hold in your tender mercy all who live with the memory of violence and loss,
and all places where fear and harm overshadow daily life.
In Christ, who promises that pain will turn into joy,
stand with those who serve your Church in challenging and fragile times.
By your Spirit, guide us in the work of healing, reconciliation and peacemaking.
Renew our courage, deepen our compassion,
and weave our lives into your great tapestry of hope,
that your risen joy may yet be known among us. Amen.