Prayer

In February’s cold, winter darkness

when we long for winter’s end

and the coming of spring

we celebrate God’s gift of love.

We give thanks for God’s

unconditional love.

Love given, never withheld.

Love that accepts, embraces,

Protects, forgives.

Love with neither beginning nor end.

Love seen in the darkest places.

Love that came in Christ.

The love of life, and cross, and resurrection. 

Love that was and is costly. 

We give thanks for love.

Love shared with family.

Love shared with friends.

For the bonds of love that

unite us.

Love unconditionally given

and received. 

We remember the cost 

and the pain love brings.

That heartache is the price we

pay for loving.

We remember those

whose love has been rejected,

for whom love has turned sour.

Relationships where the joy of love

has been destroyed by harsh reality.

For those who carry the pain of loving

and must bear the cost of loving.

We give thanks for all who share

love through their lives, 

in their work of caring and serving,

supporting and loving.

God of love, encourage us in loving.

Show us how to love as you love. 

May your love be seen in us 

and the world become 

the Kingdom of your love

Amen.