For every green thing that emerges from the fertile ground,

for every ray of sunlight that warms the good earth;

for the vast panoply of stars and galaxies that fill the ever-expanding universe

for ocean depths and all that fills them,

for every variety of creature,

and each and every variation of personhood that populates this planet,

we are immensely grateful, O God of life.

And now, as we gather around these ancient words brought to life again

by your eternal Word made flesh,

your Wisdom, immanent, present in power among us,

may we know the irrepressible force of Easter

that is in us,

that is around us,

that is for us and all things.

The life that ever shines,

despite darkness and despair.

The sacred splendor that will not,

cannot,

and never will be suppressed—

the animating power of love

to which we can say no

or yes.

So guide us, we pray, as nations to what is deepest;

open us as peoples to what is truest,

lead us as a world to what is dearest,

that we may know and revere the sacredness of life,

the divine splendor that is all around us . . .

that is us.

Raise us today in Christ,

in wonder and delight for life,

and may we say yes

to the birthright that is ours

and of every blessed thing

breathed into being

by your divine kiss.

Amen.