The joy of serving

God, Father of the forsaken and help of the weak, you’ve spread your gifts for body and soul so that we can all know the joyful duty of serving each other. You teach us that loving people holds everything together perfectly, and makes us like you. Open our eyes and touch our hearts, so we can see and do the things that make for peace, in this world and the next. Strengthen us in the work we’ve taken on. Give us wisdom, staying power, faith and eager hearts, and in your own good time, as you choose, make it succeed. Pour humility into us. Let nothing be done except in obedience to you, in thanks for your mercy beyond words, and in love for your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.