Make us glad, we pray you, gentle God,

to give each other your loving care;

make us happy to receive it.

May there daily grow within us

a generous, trusting spirit.

Merciful God,

you gave your only Son

to be both a sacrifice for sin

and an example of godly life;

help us gladly to receive

all that he has done for us

and follow in his footsteps;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God, you are working still,

breaking down and building up;

open our eyes to discern your hands

so that we may take our place

as labourers together with you.

             -A New Zealand Prayer Book, pg. 614