Slow to grow

Almighty God, you’re our light in darkness, our strength in weakness, our hope when we’ve done wrong, and our home forever. Be merciful and patient with us, so that we, who grow so slowly, can hope to become like you at last. Hold us up, and in your mercy let us go from strength to strength, until we’ve passed safely through the empty, dreary stretches and the joys and duties of this earthly life, and by your full mercy come into the land of everlasting peace. Amen.