God of being and becoming, of what is and what will be; Source of life for all things living; Fount of possibility: once you came to us in Jesus, showing us your love anew, taking on our human nature, bidding us return to you. Yet at times we wander from you and the shelter of your grace; dazzled by the world's enticements, we succumb to their embrace. When their luster fades and withers, stark new vistas come in view: from the depths of our dejection mem'ry draws us back to you. With what patience you await us as we struggle with our past; you safeguard our transformed future till we turn around at last. Still you spread your feast of welcome in our midst and in our hearts; give us grace to seek and serve you with the pow'r your love imparts. Send us forth in faithful witness, strengthened by your Spirit's breath, borne through days of light and shadow, joy and sorrow, life and death. May we show your endless welcome to the outcast, lost, and strayed; help us see in every person someone in your image made.