O God,
sustain us in the complexity of our humanity
as you sustained David--
playing the harp of youth,
throwing stones at giant problems,
loving our friends beyond wisdom,
dancing worship,
mourning children,
breaking our hearts in psalms, and
longing for warmth in our old bones. Amen.

Bread of heaven, you feed us in the depths
of grief, sin, and hostility.
Nourish us with your word
through the long hours of tears,
and in the dawning awareness
of our need for forgiveness,
so that we may be redeemed by your steadfast love. Amen.

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Prayers from the Revised Common Lectionary