In the image of God

A prayer written for Sanctuary First in 2015

God who created the world 

and declared that creation was good,

bringing your skill and artistry to bear 

you created human beings,

in your image,

giving them a unique place in the universe

and in the order of creation.

Who, then, determines the parameters

of acceptance or rejection?

Who deems that some are suitable

while others are beyond the pale?

Who decides what degree of difference

is one that can be tolerated?

And what perceived impairment

requires cleansing or elimination?

God who made each of us in your own image,

celebrating amazing diversity and complexity,

You look on us with love beyond our imagining

You marvel at the wonder of all creation

You celebrate our uniqueness.

May we never look at others

and judge them less than ourselves.

May we celebrate all that you have created

and all that you continue to enable in us 

and accord that gift to others in every place and time.

May we never be distracted by gender or race 

or creed or colour or sexuality

or by anything that prevents us

from seeing your divine image 

at the heart of all your creation

and honouring all that you have created 

as a thing of great beauty

to be treasured 

in all its glorious wonder and diversity.

by Liz Crumlish