Drawn upward by some hidden power,
Life is cracking the crust of earth
And bursting forth from limb and stem.
Your aroma, O Life-giver,
Is upon the springtime wind,
And I feel its power stirring deep within me.

Green is your color, O God,
The green of new life
That lovingly transfigures earth’s dreariness,
Long held prisoner
By the icy web of winter’s cold.

Green up my heart with hope,
In your perpetual promise of life.
Send forth from my soul
New shoots, fresh buds
Eager to grow in your divine image.

We ask this in your name.

Amen

Reading

When a community lets itself be guided in its growth by the cry of the poor and their needs, it will walk in the desert and it will be insecure. But it is assured of the promised land – not the one of security, but the one of peace and love. And it will be a community which is always alive. (Jean Vanier Community and Growth p.98)

Intercessions

Lord open our eyes – that we may see your path
Lord open our ears – that we may hear your call
Lord open our mouths – that we may speak your word

Lord guide our hands – that they may do your work
Lord guide our legs – that they may walk your way
Lord guide our minds – that they may think your thoughts.
Amen.