Creator of sunbeams and starshine,
Designer of snowflakes, painter of rainbows,
Maker of kittens, puppies, and people,
You scatter blossoms on myriad hillsides
And fling butterflies into forest and field.

Mender of broken bodies and hearts,
Author of love, mercy, and grace,
Stoop low—hear our joyful songs
And our anguished cries.
Give us peace for our care-burdened lives,
Sabbath rest for our tired minds.
Amen.

—Barbara Roberts



Calling Out

There’s more than one way
To call people out
Of Babylon:
You can tell
Of Babylon’s misery,
Or show
Jerusalem’s joy.

—Helen Heavirland