Saviour of every life, God of peace, we give you thanks. At every moment you listen to us; at every instant, you pay attention to us. But even though we know that, it can happen that suddenly we seem to be lost, and a path through the desert is set out before us. In the depths of our thirst, cause water to burst from the rock, and by your Holy Spirit guide us in the right way.

Faithful God, you led your people from slavery to freedom; give each of us the right way of seeing our own story. We are all strangers; all of us belong to the same great family, all linked to one another. We pray to you: heal our wounds, which we have inherited from a past that is still to be faced. Give us ears that listen, that seek to understand. Send on us your Holy Spirit, Spirit of peace and consolation, so that we may be a leaven of reconciliation in the places where you call us to live.

Christ Jesus, you have overcome death. You touched the ear of the man who could not hear, saying "Ephphatha! Be opened!" When we do not see the direction any more, incline our hearts to your truth. It is your life that teaches us. Lead us to love as you have loved us, and rekindle in us the desire to come to you in the littlest of our brothers and sisters.