Lord, as we rise to leave this shell of worship, called to the risk of unprotected living, willing to be at one with all your people, we ask for courage. For all the strain with living interwoven, for the demands each day will make upon us and for the love we owe the modern city, Lord, make us cheerful. Give us an eye for opening to serve you; make us alert when calm is interrupted, ready and wise to use the unexpected: sharpen our insight. Lift from our life the blanket of convention, give us the nerve to lose our life to others, be with your Church in death and resurrection, Lord of all ages!