Eternal Father,
You who knit us together in Your image, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the gift of love. Love that sustains, love that forgives, love that holds us close when the world feels harsh. We ask that You would deepen in us the capacity to love not only those who are easy to cherish, but also those who are difficult to understand. Open our eyes to see each person as You see them — worthy, precious, and irreplaceable. Lord, break down the walls of division that separate us from one another. Where there is fear, plant courage. Where there is prejudice, sow understanding. Where there is selfishness, nurture generosity. We long to be known as people who embody Your commandment: to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Teach us to lay aside pride and impatience, so that love may lead in every step we take. Let Your perfect love cast out our fears and empower us to walk boldly in compassion, mercy, and truth. And may the world come to know You more fully by the love we share. In Christ Jesus, our Lord of love, we pray. Amen.