Holy Branches of Care-

Even as we meet in this forest of support, a tempest approaches beyond your limbs:

Squalls of arrogance, hate, and ignorance.

As some sign sweet songs of love and justice,

A cacophony raises its noises of dissonance, denying humanity and the song of our neighbors.

And how much we want to run from this forest, God!

Yet you have called us here for a time such as this.

May your unfailing breeze carry us forward.

May the gentle winds of the Holy Spirit protect us from the storms streaming from unkind minds.

May your divine leaves block the harmful rays of hate and the misuse of your Holy Name.

Amen.

This was written as a group of prayers for the remote UCC General Synod in 2021.