O God,
Who nourishes us,
Who sustains us,

Thank you for the ways you are growing us,
In our faith,
In our freedom,
In our ability to love all.
We desire to grow in new ways,
To expand and explore,
To not be stunted in our growth.

Remind us,
That in order to best grow,
Cultivation must take place.

There will be times of pruning,
Of cutting off of dead or dying beliefs,
Of unhealthy thoughts and doctrines.

We also know that growth and health
Can include a grafting in of the new and foreign,
Of the damaged and traumatized,
In order that you can heal and harvest.

God, welcome us into your garden, that we may walk with you.
Jesus, let us kneel in the garden with you and witness your love and passion.
Spirit, pour holy water on us that we may be refreshed and renewed.

Amen.8