Lord, we are constantly reminded that there is no place where you are not with us.   We know that there is no moment that is too scary to feel your presence.  We know we are never alone. We celebrate that there is no alley, no hospital room, no hotel room, or no street corner that is too dark for you.

But God, we ask for your forgiveness when we miss your presence and instead decide to cling to the shadows instead of that truth.  Forgive us when we choose to run, instead of trusting in who you are and the help, safety, comfort and hope you offer.   

Help us to be people capable of standing strong in the those moments.  Hold our hands as we navigate the shadows around us.  When we are confronted with the darkness of this world, help us to be agents of light.    When the darkness hits our own lives; via sickness, anxiety, grief or pain, help us to lift our eyes to you.   Help us to see your light in all places, and find your strength in it.

We ask that you be patient with us.    As we take small steps, know that we are learning to give all, risk all, and trust all.    We are learning that your comfort, your assuredness, and your peace is not fleeting, no matter how hesitant those steps may be. As we struggle to learn that we should never fear the dark. make our hearts courageous. 

Through it all, we ask that you allow us to turn to you in thanksgiving for all the many pinpricks of light that Grace our days.    When all else fails help us to embrace the promise that each of those points represent.   

For the many needs and many hurts of those around us, and for those whom Grace seems far off, we turn to you in prayer.   May we all find the hope of your presence when our hearts break.    May the gift of your Grace be the answer to all our prayers, both those said and those that remain to be spoken.   

Your Grace is certainly enough to pierce through the darkest of nights, and it is what we seek through our prayers.          Lord, Hear this prayer.  Amen.