Providing God,
you journeyed with Ruth
and comforted Hannah
when their lives were burdened by grief.
Grant us faith to believe you will provide a future
where we see none,
that bitterness may turn to joy
and barrenness may bear life. Amen.

Beloved Companion,
you deal with us kindly in steadfast love,
lifting up those bent low with care
and sustaining the weak and oppressed.
Release us from our anxious fears,
that we, holding fast to your commandments,
may honor you with all that we are and all that we have. Amen.

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Prayers from the Revised Common Lectionary