O God,
your hands created a world filled
with your majesty and delight, wonder and joy.
As stewards of that perfect creation,
you made us in your own image,
perfect in every way.
But we were led astray, and you gave us freedom.
We developed habits and characteristics
in order to survive a world
where death ruled,
defects that caused us to harm each other and ourselves
and further separate us from you.
We cling to these wrongs even today,
and cannot free ourselves.
We implore you now, before you,
and aware of our assets and faults,
take these shortcomings away from us,
that we may better love one another,
heal our wounds,
and glorify your name.
Let us be your perfect image once more.
In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
