Prayer for Compassion

For the Second Sunday of Pentecost

Isaiah spoke
Of one who was
Ugly,
Despised,
Rejected,

One who knew pain,
And suffering,

One upon whom people would look,
Then turn away in disgust.

Yet it was our pain he bore,
And our ugliness he assumed,
Taking upon himself
The shameful things inside
That we keep hidden.

We are like those
Who saw only a homeless, itinerant Rabbi,
But failed to see the one
In whom the glory of God shone,
When we see those who make us uncomfortable,
And fail to see ones
Whom you love
And created in your image.

God of grace and compassion,
Forgive us.
Open our eyes that we may see.
Open our hearts that we may love.

Amen