God of Abram and Nicodemus,

God of all of us who think we are

too old or too poor or too small or too weak or too busy,

God of all of us daunted by the sheer wonder

of the plan you lay out before us:

we come to you now, aware of all you have done for us,

            and yet still struggling with our doubts.

Birth us all anew, O God;

hear us and help us on our journey.

God of Abram and Nicodemus, we pray for this world

where so many wander homeless

not by choice, but out of necessity,

            where so many are looking

for milk and honey or a great Name to rescue them.

We pray for all the people in this world, especially . . .

We pray for the women and men who lay down their lives

for the safety of brothers and sisters and neighbors . . .

We pray for those who lead us . . .

Birth us all anew, O God;

hear us and help us on our journey.

[Silence]

God of Abram and Nicodemus,

we pray for all those who long for a new beginning:

      those who are imprisoned,

      those who are estranged,

      those who have left loved ones behind,

      and those who are ill or infirm, especially . . .

Give them all new life by the power of your Spirit.

Help us to see how we can be present with them

as your hands and feet.

Birth us all anew, O God;

hear us and help us on our journey.

[Silence]

God of Abram and Nicodemus,

            we pray for your holy Church . . .

Give us the courage to leave everything behind and follow you.

Give us the faith to act on what we do not understand.

Bless us to be a blessing to everyone in your Name.

Birth us all anew, O God;

hear us and help us on our journey.

[Silence]

Birth us all anew, O God.

Hear us and help us on our journey.

Help us to grow up again,

                          to accept not only earthly things but heavenly things,

                          to lift up your Son and be lifted up ourselves,

                          to let your Spirit move us beyond our understanding.

God of Abram and Nicodemus and all of us,

            hear us and help us

even as surely as the Spirit blows among us,

            all for the sake of your dear Son,

            who taught us when we pray to say:

 Our Father, who art in heaven . . .