God of Promise, today we are mindful of our sisters and brothers suffering with HIV and AIDS. We ask your healing presence on millions of people living with the disease today; particularly the children who are infected or who have been orphaned by the disease. Make of us a safe haven for those who are abandoned, discriminated against and rejected on account of their illness. Inspire us to speak out for a just distribution of health care and medical aid in this country and for generosity in sharing our resources with those struggling under the weight of this epidemic overseas.
As we begin our Advent celebration of waiting in hope for the birth of your Son, let us remember those across the world who wait in hope for a cure. Amen.
God of all compassion, comfort people who live with HIV.
Spread over us all your quilt of mercy, love and peace.
Open our eyes to your presence reflected in their faces.
Open our ears to your truth echoing in their hearts.
Give us the strength to weep with the grieving,
to journey with the lonely,
to be with the depressed.
May our love mirror your love for those who live in fear,
who live under stress and who suffer rejection.
Loving God grant rest to those who have died
and hope to all who live with HIV.
God of life, help us to find the cure now and help us to build a world
in which no one dies alone and where everyone lives accepted, wanted, and loved.
Adapted from the Maryknoll sisters of the San Salvador
Diocesan HIV/AIDS program and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
