Your children on earth

Two small birds on the same branch, leaning their heads together so their foreheads touch, wings slightly overlapping like shared warmth.

God, you give people light to see by, and of all your gifts, you bless heavenly love the most. Please clean the selfishness out of us. For your love’s sake, help us love our brothers and sisters so well that we may be your children here on earth. And so, walking in your truth, may we come to your joy, which is greater than words can say. You give life to everyone who truly loves you. Hear this prayer, Lord. Amen.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7 (BSB)

Adapted from Rowland Williams, via Prayers Ancient and Modern (1897), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.