Midweek prayer

One year.  In the life of a baby or a child or a teen, it marks more teeth, bigger shoes, another grade.  This one year, O God, has been marked with fear and isolation, illness and death, masks and distance.  And yet it has also been marked by creative connections, neighbors reaching out, efforts to feed, technological innovation, an appreciation for the power of a phone call or a hug, thanksgiving for science.  Holy One, may we be changed for the better as a result of this past year.  Let us unearth new capacities for justice and mercy within ourselves.  May history remember how we grew into the people you have called us to be.  In your loving name, we pray. Amen.