Michaelmas

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ John 1:47-51

Wondrous God who protects and defends us

you have sent your angels and warriors

to care for the vulnerable and innocent

surrounding our world with your love.

We often do not see the present danger

and ignore the ones within ourselves

you know our hearts and our longing

protecting us too often from ourselves.

We live in times of pestilence and fear

disease and disinformation are destroying

neighbors distrust and judge neighbors

send your angels of protection to us.

We need you every hour, dear Lord

the world is growing cold and dark

yet you love us each beyond measure

and see us all in our every trembling need. Amen.